Students In Jersey City Create Care Packages For Seniors

JERSEY CITY, NJ – The Archdiocese of Newark’s 67 schools joined the nationwide observance of Catholic Schools Week from Jan. 26 through Feb. 1, celebrating the benefits of a faith-based education with a variety of meaningful activities.

As part of the week, students from Sacred Heart School in Jersey City assembled care packages for a local nursing home.

Students throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties participated in projects that highlighted the values of service, learning, and community Catholic schools instill year-round.

These included assembling care packages for charities, completing research assignments, and attending Mass at local churches.

Students in Westfield, Wyckoff, Hasbrouck Heights, Kearny, and other area towns also lifted residents' spirits. Eighth graders from Westfield’s Holy Trinity School visited a local nursing facility for bingo and crafts.

Catholic Schools Week was also an opportunity for students to celebrate the joy of education. To that end, schools hosted fun
activities like games, dance parties, and themed dress-up days. Some even welcomed special guests like the Harlem Wizards basketball team, which visited St. Elizabeth School in Wyckoff to offer a motivational message and showcase its signature tricks.

“As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, it’s important to remember that each school’s efforts are part of a larger, unified mission,” said Father Stephen Fichter, episcopal vicar of education, and Barbara Dolan, superintendent of schools, in a joint letter to parents. “While each school has its unique character, all are united in their commitment to helping students know, love, and serve God."

To learn more about the Archdiocese of Newark’s Catholic schools, which serve nearly 22,000 students, visit www.catholicschoolsnj.org.

The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics across northern New Jersey’s Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties, led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark.

The Archdiocese includes 211 parishes, 67 Catholic schools, and numerous missions and ministries committed to faith, education, and social service. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.