Pieces of a Puzzle | Celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2025
- ESquire
by John T. Uricheck '25
On the last Sunday of every January, the National Catholic Education Association celebrates Catholic Schools Week. This year Delone Catholic High School’s celebration was planned around the theme “Pieces of the Same Puzzle.”
The week started off on Sunday, Jan. 26, celebrating the local parishes that support Delone Catholic. Squire Ambassadors attended Masses at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hanover. In addition, a spiritual bouquet was made for the clergy in the Adams Deanery.
Campus Minister Kate Phenicie worked with Miss Jennifer Noel to plan Catholic Schools Week festivities. She says that “in a way, Catholic Schools Week can and should trickle outward to the community; if our students are invigorated with the blessing of our school, they will be inclined to tell others in their life about it and invite them to witness it for themselves!”
Mrs. Phenicie believes that “Catholic Schools Week is not only for those who identify as "religious.” On Monday, Jan. 27, Squires celebrated the community. The Interact Club collected canned fruits and vegetables for New Hope Ministries Feed-a-Friend, and, in line with the theme of the week, students donated jigsaw puzzles for Penn State Children's Hospital.
Tuesday, Jan. 28 was set aside for celebrating Delone Catholic students during lunch periods. The Alliance of Therapy Dogs brought therapy dogs to interact with students; music was played and the PTO provided complimentary cookies.
Students are the core of what makes this school amazing and their faith makes it all the better, according to Mrs. Phencie.
“The best way our students can promote the school and faith to the community is to be authentic witnesses, not only in their words but also in their actions - treating all people with charity, respect, and dignity. We are called to be Christians in all areas of our life, not just through what we say but also through what we do, and this consistency of character and belief is the best witness we can give!
On Wednesday, the Interact Club celebrated our nation’s veterans by preparing valentines for Roots for Boots.
Diocesan Director of Vocations, Rev. Joshua Weaver, along with other local clergy, celebrated an all-school Mass on Thursday, Jan. 30. Rev. Weaver also visited Sacred Studies classes throughout the day and was present with students at lunch. Peer ministry also celebrated vocations by preparing postcards for seminarians throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg.
On Friday, Jan. 30 had the most going on for the students and staff. Students and staff dressed in Delone Catholic spirit wear and donated to a mission collection for the Society for the Propagation of Faith. A popcorn bar for all faculty and staff was served. Lastly, and yet most importantly, the school prayed for the intentions of families during a holy hour in the Mary, Queen of Peace, Chapel.
Mrs. Phenicie emphasizes, “I think there is always an excitement about Catholic Schools Week! It is a nice break from routine and reminds us how lucky we are to have our school community.”
John T. Uricheck '25, a senior at Delone Catholic High School, is a journalism intern with the Advancement Department.