Catholic Schools Week 2026: Celebrating Ordinary Lives, Called to Holiness
Catholic schools across Ireland will unite to celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2026 from 18–24 January under the theme “Catholic Schools – Normal Lives, Called to Holiness.” This week invites pupils, families, and school communities to reflect on how holiness is lived out in the ordinary moments of everyday life. Here in St Josephs our EMBER team will read a short daily prayer and reflection . All classes will be working on a sub theme for the week each day during their RE classes.
The theme is inspired by Pope Francis’ reflections on Saint Carlo Acutis, a young Italian whose deep love for the Eucharist shaped his life of friendship, study, and digital creativity. Pope Francis reminds us that holiness is not about extraordinary deeds, but about doing simple things with faith and love.
Catholic Schools Week each year highlights the distinctive mission of Catholic education—to nurture young people who recognise purpose in their lives and are grounded in faith. This year’s theme echoes Pope Francis’ message in Gaudete et Exsultate, which calls every person to holiness through love, service, and everyday witness.
Alan Hynes, Chief Executive of the Catholic Education Partnership, said that the message speaks to both students and teachers:
“Catholic schools accompany young people as they grow, helping them to see that holiness isn’t about being perfect or extraordinary, but about kindness, courage, prayer, and service in daily life. In classrooms, playgrounds, and homes, faith is lived one ordinary moment at a time.”
Throughout the week, each day will focus on a different way holiness can be expressed:
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Monday – Holiness through Prayer, helping children see prayer as a living relationship with God.
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Tuesday – Love and Friendship, inspired by Jesus’ commandment to love one another.
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Wednesday – Family and Grandparents’ Day, a celebration of family life and the gift of faith passed through generations.
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Thursday – Service and Courage, focusing on selfless love and standing up for what is right.
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Friday – Joy and Mission, encouraging pupils to become joyful witnesses of the Gospel in their communities.
Echoing the words of Pope Leo XIV, Catholic Schools Week reminds us that “holiness is not escape from the world, but deep engagement with it in the Spirit of Christ.”
Through prayer, liturgy, classroom activities, and community events, Catholic Schools Week 2026 celebrates the belief that everyday life—when lived with love and faith—becomes a path to holiness.
Parents can learn more and access school resources for the week by visiting Catholic Schools Week 2026 – Catholic Schools: Normal Lives, Called to Holiness.