It's six days of celebration, with one common theme.

"Where faith and knowledge meet."

Catholic Schools Week arrives to break the winter doldrums at St. Michael Catholic School, and it's a week in which students place a lot of pride, Principal Jennifer Haller said.

"They kind of know when it's coming," she said. "The kids really enjoy the variety of activities we have throughout the week."

It begins Sunday, Jan. 23. Students from the school will be featured at the 10:30 a.m. mass at St. Michael Catholic Church. The don their read polo-style shirts or sweaters, pitch in to help with a special reception in the gathering space, and even make up the choir for the morning celebration.

The day continues with an open house at the school from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The open house is for prospective families only, but teachers, administrators and volunteers attend to guided tours and answer any questions.

"It's an important thing for us to get in front of the community, and this is one day we can really do that," Haller said.

During the school week, each day has a theme. Monday is "Where faith and knowledge meet in our nation." To incorporate that theme, the students will dress in red, white or blue, and theire is a special flag ceremony at 7:45 a.m. in the school gym. Military members, past and present, are invited to attend the school in the morning in uniform, as part of the cermony. Cub, Boy and Girl Scouts will also be wearing their uniforms.

Tuesday is "Where faith and knowledge meet in our community." Students in grades kindergarten through third grade will assemble in the gym at 10 a.m. for a special "kindness" presentation. The day will have various community themes, including how students serve the community. 

Wednesday is "Vocations" (just add it to the end of the theme, if you haven't caught on). Special guests will visit the school, including clergy from St. Michael Catholic Church and STMC alumni, to talk to students about how they answered God's call to religious life. A panel will host a group discussion with students in two parts from about 10 a.m. to noon. Clergy will stay for lunch, as will select seminarians invited for the day.

Thursday is all about fun.

"It's the day they really can't wait for," Haller said.

The kids will head out on field trips. The younger students bowl and game at River City Extreme in Monticello, while the upper grades will go tubing at Elm Creek Park near Maple Grove.

Friday begins with weekly mass at 7:45 a.m. at the historic church. Following that, middle school students from St. Michael School District will have an "Exploratory Day" and visit the school, telling the younger students about life in the "big school."

Finally, a special breakfast will be held at 8:45 a.m. Friday morning for all STMC volunteers and the middle school guests.

The week culminates Friday night with a special Family Game Night at the St. Michael Catholic Church from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the gathering space. Students and families should bring a favorite game to share.

Catholic Schools Week began in 1947, and is a joint project of the National Catholic Education Association and the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Education forms a young person in many different ways," said Fr. Peter Richards in a note to the community. "Catholic education shapes futures by instilling Gospel values and arming students with the knowledge of the truth. There is truly no substitute for a Catholic education where faith and academics go hand-in-hand."

For more information on all the events surrounding Catholic Schools Week at STMC, contact the office at 763-497-3887.