News and Events

News Releases

Archdiocese of Chicago’s Schools Celebrate National Catholic Schools Week 2021 by Rewarding Educators for Their Hard Work During Pandemic

This year’s Catholic Schools Week observance is Jan. 31 through Feb. 6

Chicago – (Jan. 31, 2021) – The Archdiocese of Chicago is pleased to announce that it will reward its educators and school staff for their resolve, ingenuity, dedication and hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic with Gratitude Fund monetary awards during National Catholic Schools Week. The Fund, launched in December 2020, attracted a wide-array of donors, including individuals and corporations, and raised nearly $1.4 million, enough to provide monetary awards to all full- and most part-time educators and staff in the Catholic school system.

“I have been amazed at the level of generosity from donors to our school Gratitude Fund,” said Dr. Jim Rigg, superintendent of Catholic Schools. “There is widespread recognition that our teachers, principals, and other employees have truly gone above and beyond in their service to our students.”

Because Gratitude Fund donors were so generous, each full-time employee will receive a gift of $250 added to their paycheck in February, while part-time employees will each receive a smaller gift of up to $100, depending on their work hours. There are about 5,000 employees in 162 of the archdiocesan-run schools in Chicagoland.

This year marks the 47th anniversary of National Catholic Schools Week, an annual celebration of Catholic education. The 2021 observance, with the theme of Faith. Excellence. Service, takes place Sunday, Jan. 31 through Feb. 6. Catholic Schools Week embraces the core values that can be found in Catholic schools across the country. Not only are Catholic schools teaching students to become future servant leaders, faith-filled disciples and engaged citizens in their communities, but Catholic school educators are growing with them.

Schools typically observe the annual celebration week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to the Church, local communities and nation.

Rigg will participate in Catholic Schools Week activities throughout the week across the archdiocese. These activities include:

Tuesday

9 a.m.

Virtual book reading with St. Mary Star of the Sea School, 6424 S. Kenneth Ave., Chicago.

 

Wednesday

1 p.m.

Book reading to kindergarten class at St. Angela School, 1332 N. Massasoit Ave., Chicago.

 

Thursday

8 a.m.

Leading a school-wide fun competition over the PA system at St. Ann Catholic School, 2211 W. 18th Pl., Chicago.  

9 a.m.

Presenting at a virtual career day at Sacred Heart School, 2926 E. 96th St., Chicago.

 

Friday

9:30 a.m.

Presenting at a virtual career day at St. Mary of the Angels School, 1810 N. Hermitage Ave., Chicago.

 

For more information on the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Catholic schools, visit schools.archchicago.org.