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January 20, 2004 Diocese of Metuchen to celebrate Catholic Schools Week(METUCHEN) – Representatives from each of the Diocese of Metuchen's 48 schools will gather at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral on Saturday, January 24 to mark the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. The Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski, Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, will celebrate a 7 p.m. Mass for the students, teachers and parents. Providing the music during the Mass will be the Diocesan Youth Choir. “Catholic Schools: A Faith-Filled Future” is the theme of this year's annual tradition which emphasizes the importance of Catholic education in providing faith based values and academic excellence. “We serve over 16,500 students in our schools from pre-kindergarten to high school. They receive an education that provides a strong scholastic foundation as well as grounding in the values that will make a difference in their lives,” Bishop Bootkoski said. “Our students learn respect and responsibility. They are instilled with a faith that enables them to have a positive influence on their families and their communities.” Dr. Thomas Hart, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Metuchen, noted that the importance of Catholic schools has even been recognized by President Bush. In remarks made earlier this month, the President told Catholic educators, “By teaching the Word of God, you prepare your students to follow a path of virtue and compassion and sacrifice for the rest of their lives. And by insisting on high standards for academic achievement, Catholic schools are a model for all schools around our country.” According to Dr. Hart, on standardized tests our Catholic schools' averages exceed national and state averages at all levels. He added that after graduation, 96.8 percent of Catholic high school students go on to attend college. Throughout Catholic Schools Week, there will be open houses, parent/child lunches, and many special events. On Wednesday, January 29, National Appreciation Day will be observed. This event enables Catholic school supporters to showcase the accomplishments and contributions of Catholic schools to their communities and their country. The Diocese of Metuchen serves over a half million Catholics in Middlesex, Somerset , Hunterdon and Warren counties. Enrollment in Catholic elementary schools totals 12,937 while the six high schools in the Diocese have an enrollment of 3,650 students. For information on Catholic Schools call 732-562-1990.
# # # The Diocese of Metuchen serves over 500,000 Catholics in Middlesex, Somerset , Hunterdon and Warren counties. The Diocese includes 108 parishes. It serves its faithful through 25 ministries that provide educational, pastoral and charitable outreach.
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© 2004 Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen | Disclaimer
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