By CatholicPhilly Staff Report \u2022 Posted January 26, 2026 <\/p>\n
Archbishop Nelson J. P\u00e9rez marked the start of Catholic Schools Week by offering a message of gratitude and encouragement to students, families and educators across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, reflecting on this year\u2019s theme, \u201cCatholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a video message released Jan. 25, Archbishop P\u00e9rez thanked administrators, faculty and staff in the archdiocese\u2019s 15 high schools, 102 elementary schools, and three schools of special education for their dedication to forming students as \u201cmissionary disciples for Christ in the world around them.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also expressed gratitude to the partners, foundations and benefactors who support Catholic education.<\/p>\n
The archbishop offered special thanks to school families, acknowledging the sacrifices they make in choosing Catholic education and partnering with schools in the faith formation of their children.<\/p>\n
Calling it \u201can exciting time to be a young person in the Church of Philadelphia,\u201d Archbishop P\u00e9rez reflected on his recent participation in Pope Leo Live!, the Holy Father\u2019s digital encounter with young people<\/a> at the National Catholic Youth Conference and through a global broadcast. He noted that the encounter reflected the pope\u2019s desire to meet young people in the digital spaces where faith and technology intersect.<\/p>\n Catholic Schools Week is celebrated nationally Jan. 25-31, highlighting the value of Catholic education and its contributions to students, families and communities. Throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, schools are observing the week with prayer, service and community-centered activities.<\/p>\n