St. Mary's Elementary School began Catholic Schools Week the same way they begin every day: with prayer.

Msgr. John McCann welcomed the entire St. Mary's family of students, parents, and teachers at the opening liturgy on Sunday, January 27, noting that Catholic Schools Week is a celebration of catholic schools that "form the next generation in our faith and develop skills to ensure their success in this ever-changing world."

Msgr. McCann then announced that accreditation by the Middle States Association (MSA) is imminent, a goal that the whole family of educators at St. Mary's Elementary School has been working toward during the last two years. The MSA Visiting Team, chaired by Eleanor Menna, Principal of Holy Trinity School and an eight-time visiting team chair, described the students of St. Mary's as "lively and animated, with a profound fondness for their school."

At the end of the liturgy, two elementary school students waited patiently in front of the church with collections pots, accepting donations for Souper Bowl Sunday. Sara deVenoge, eighth grade, and Robert O'Connell, seventh grade, have both attended St. Mary's since nursery school, and they have both chosen to pursue higher education at St. Mary's High School. In Robert's case he insists on staying at St. Mary's, saying "It feels like I am attached to the school." Sara said, "Everyone knows each other which makes it easier to focus on school work."

The theme for Catholic Schools Week is "Catholic Schools: Where Faith & Knowledge Meet." It was chosen by the National Catholic Educational Association to portray the diligence and dedication of educators, administrators and students in catholic schools. St. Mary's will host an open house, Thursday, Jan. 31 for all new parents and students, beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information, call 516 627-0184.