Catholic Schools Week begins with pancakes

St. Gregory's School in Maryville has begun one of their biggest weeks of the year.

With a pancake breakfast catered by Chris Cakes on Sunday morning, Catholic Schools Week is heading full-steam through a week's worth of activities and worship.

The week-long event has been held for several years, and though some of the activities have changed, the reason for the festivities has stayed the same.

"I think it gives us a chance to celebrate our school and highlight all of the things we are doing," St. Gregory's School principal Susan Martin said. "We get together as a church community to look at our students' accomplishments and the work we are doing."

For the rest of the week, some of the planned events are;

Today - "Raising the standards in our community." Maryville Mayor Glen Jonagan will read a proclamation honoring Catholic Schools Week during a prayer service at 8:15 a.m. in the school's gymnasium. Students will participate in a variety of community service projects throughout the week.

Tuesday - "Raising the standards in our vocations." Students will write letters of encouragement to diocesan seminarians.

Wednesday - "Raising the standards in our faculty, staff and volunteers." The St. Greg's student council will host a luncheon for faculty and staff. Students will also thank volunteers and supporting businesses.

Thursday - "Raising the standards in our nation." Students will write thank you letters to friends and family members who have served or who are currently serving in the Armed Forces.

Friday - "Raising the standards in our students." St. Gregory's Parent Teacher Organization will celebrate the students with a day of special activities, including classroom parties, a movie at The Hangar, bowling and roller skating.

This year also holds special significance for both the church and the school, and this fall they will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the forming of St. Gregory's.

Prior to 1963, there were two Catholic schools in Maryville - St. Patrick's and St. Mary's, and they were combined that year. Martin said that there are plenty of special events planned for the celebration.

But that is in the near future, and this week is about the school - the students, the faculty and the staff.

"People get really excited about the events," Martin said. "And we do, too. It's great to come together as a community, and to see the support we have from our parishioners. This is a great week, every year."