Written by Kristin Moore, director of marketing & enrollment, Office for Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Seattle, [email protected]
When it comes to Catholic Schools Week, the Archdiocese of Seattle is setting a new standard with an innovative approach that uplifts students, families and communities. With its focus on gratitude, joy, service and, most of all, faith, this year’s celebration unites the 74 schools within the archdiocese and connects with Catholic schools across the country, amplifying the mission of Catholic education. The Archdiocese of Seattle is transforming this annual tradition into a year-round movement of engagement and inspiration.
Building Connections Across Schools
The archdiocese’s vision for Catholic Schools Week extends beyond individual campuses. This year, 74 schools embraced a unified theme: “You Belong.” By emphasizing the dignity of every individual and creating a community rooted in hospitality, schools are fostering deeper connections and solidarity. From creating warm, welcoming spaces to thoughtful gestures of kindness, each school is laying the foundation for a more connected community that reflects the love and joy of being part of a faith-driven environment. Through this culture of hospitality, trust and openness grow, setting the stage for meaningful relationships and inspiring others to experience Christ’s love in action.
Inspo Boxes: Sparking Creativity Locally
For the past five years, Kristin Moore, director of marketing & enrollment for the Office for Catholic Schools, has been designing and sending out an “Inspo Box” to each school. These thoughtfully crafted packages include examples of each creative idea, links to Canva templates, plug-and-play social media posts and the annual celebration poster—tools meant to ignite creativity and unify celebrations across the archdiocese. Each box is filled with inspiration, allowing schools to personalize their events while remaining connected to the broader theme. By offering flexibility and ease, these resources empower schools to infuse their unique community spirit into each celebration. School staff eagerly await these boxes, appreciating the opportunity to enhance and customize every piece. Check out this year’s exciting offerings here. SO MANY GOOD THINGS!
The Transformative Virtue of Gratitude
The power of gratitude cannot be overstated. In Catholic schools, expressing gratitude builds a strong sense of community and fosters a positive, inclusive environment. Whether it’s a simple thank you or a heartfelt acknowledgment of someone’s contributions, gratitude strengthens relationships and deepens trust. This is particularly important for pastors, teachers, staff, parents, donors and parishioners, whose dedication and support are essential to the success of the school. When gratitude is consistently practiced, it strengthens the bonds within the school community and exemplifies Christ’s love, inspiring continued support, involvement and joy.
Redefining Open Houses
In Western Washington, some Catholic schools are redefining the traditional open house. Rather than focusing solely on recruitment, these schools are inviting all families—current and prospective—to create a full house and foster a deeper sense of community. For many, this event has become a strategic retention opportunity. Teachers engage families through interactive activities and demos, showcasing the dynamic, engaging learning environment that defines Catholic education. These open houses celebrate the achievements and strengths of the school community, offering an opportunity to reinforce the value of continued involvement. By showcasing the importance of belonging and providing opportunities for active participation, schools are strengthening the connections that make Catholic education so impactful.
United in Mission: Strengthening Catholic Education
Catholic schools across the U.S. are stronger when united. By collaborating, we amplify our ability to inspire faith, promote academic excellence and serve others. Our collective strength allows our light to shine brighter, demonstrating the power of a faith-centered education that empowers students and families to live out the Gospel’s call to love and serve. In the Archdiocese of Seattle, we believe deeply in collaboration, which is why we’ve created a marketing portal with resources available to ALL Catholic schools. We invite you to explore the portal and join our online professional development sessions to continue strengthening the impact of Catholic education.
Monthly Professional Development
Admissions Portal (resources in English & Spanish)
Together, let’s make Catholic Schools Week—and every week—a celebration of faith, community, and purpose.
National Catholic Schools Week (CSW) is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. #CSW2025 runs from January 26 – February 1, 2025. To learn more about the national celebration, visit www.NCEA.org/CSW.
