On Friday, January 27, 2023, Mount Carmel School held the annual Catholic Schools Week Proclamation Ceremony with Governor Arnold Indelacio Palacios, Lieutenant Governor David Mundo Apatang, members of the school’s board of directors, and members of the MCS community at the Mount Carmel Cathedral.

Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States and U.S. Territories. Catholic School's Week is meant to help schools connect with prospective families, donors, educators, and other community members. Part of the CSW celebration is to help showcase the significance of receiving a Catholic education and highlight the joint effort of all stakeholders that contribute to the success of the school’s students and alumni. 

This year’s CSW theme is “Catholic Schools: Faith, Excellence, Service”, which encompasses the core products and values that can be found in Catholic schools across the country. As the National Catholic Educational Association noted in announcing the theme, “Not only are Catholic schools teaching students to become future servant leaders, faith-filled disciples and enriched citizens in our communities, we as educators are growing with them.” The association added, “These shared qualities are what make Catholic schools work and what make them succeed.”

During the proclamation event, Governor Arnold Indelacio Palacios said, “I would like to express my appreciation for the community of Mount Carmel School. The dedication of the faculty and staff in providing excellent education in our Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa will not go unnoticed. I would also want to acknowledge the sacrifices of the parents of the students of MCS who choose to send their children to Catholic Schools."

Governor Palacios continued, "I encourage the faithful of the diocese to participate in observance of this week in ways that will help install an awareness and appreciation of the values that Catholic education cultivates in our children, which enhance the quality of life for all people."

As it joins the rest of the nation, Mount Carmel School has prepared a full week of events that highlight a different aspect of the school each day.  On Sunday, January 29, the MCS school community attended Sunday mass at the Mount Carmel Cathedral to celebrate the “kick-off” mass of Catholic School’s Week known as “Celebrating Our Parishes.”

On Monday, January 30, 2023, the focus shifts to “Celebrating Our Community” as MCS junior high and high school students engage in different activities that support community service. Elementary school students will make banners and videos expressing their appreciation for the school’s many donors and supporters. Tuesday is dedicated to “Celebrating Our Teachers and Faculty”.  Today, MCS will hold an appreciation program for faculty and staff, in which the 2023 Teacher of the Year will be announced.

On Wednesday, MCS will celebrate “Catholic Schools in our Vocations” with a Eucharistic Celebration, which will be followed by a vocations talk and other activities honoring vocations. MCS will shift its attention on Thursday to the rest of the country with “Catholic Schools in our Nation.” On this day students, grades kindergarten through twelve will participate in a variety of activities that celebrate our nation’s history, prominent leaders, and the sacrifices first responders, front-liners, and other professionals make to uphold peace, justice, and freedom.

Friday morning’s emphasis will be on “Catholic Schools and our Students”. On this day, students, faculty, and staff enjoy the day by participating in fun-filled activities and competitions. A Mount Carmel School tradition during Catholic School’s Week: Celebrating Our Students and Families, include both sports competitions and trivia games against students, AlumKnights, and teachers. 

After a two-year hiatus, Mount Carmel School’s AlumKnight Association brings back it’s fundraiser for the school called a “Night with the Knights.” While the event celebrates its AlumKnights, all community members are welcome to join in on the celebration. A “Night with the Knights” will be on Saturday, February 04, 2023, at the World Resort Taga Ballroom from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Tickets are $70 per person and are available for purchase of the MCS Business Office or through any MCS employee. 

The celebration of Catholic Schools Week began as an annual event in 1974. Catholic Schools Week and the National Marketing Campaign are joint projects of the National Catholic Educational Association, the world’s largest private professional education association, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the national public policy organization of U.S. bishops.