Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Each year, Discover Catholic Schools Week highlights the mission of Catholic schools to foster students' personal relationships with Jesus Christ through education and formation. The Archdiocese of Louisville uses this week to emphasize its commitment to developing lifelong faith, service, and learning among students.

The initiative focuses on supporting students at all stages, from early readers to seniors preparing for college. According to the Archdiocese, "Our Catholic schools are places where Christ is encountered. His love is lived each day." Students experience an environment that nurtures not only their intellect but also their spiritual growth in classrooms, chapels, cafeterias, and playgrounds.

Referencing a recent letter by Pope Leo on Catholic education, the release states: "A Catholic education should courageously teach the whole human person." The Archdiocese describes this as reflecting its goal of educating and forming every student comprehensively—intellectually, morally, spiritually, artistically, and athletically.

Faith-based activities remain central in these schools. Students regularly participate in prayer, worship services, Eucharistic celebrations, retreats, living rosaries and stations of the cross, and adoration. The release notes that these traditions aim to build a sense of community rooted in faith.

Service is also a core component. Students across grade levels are encouraged to see serving others as both a duty and a source of fulfillment. For example, partnerships with organizations like Hand in Hand Ministries allow students to engage directly with communities in Appalachia by building ramps or repairing homes for those in need. Other projects include schoolwide acts of kindness or environmental stewardship efforts with local nonprofits such as Nolin River Wildlife.

Academic excellence is emphasized alongside faith formation. Instruction throughout the Archdiocese integrates hands-on learning experiences rooted in Catholic values—from Catechesis of the Good Shepherd programs to STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and mathematics) labs that combine technical inquiry with religious perspective.

As Discover Catholic Schools Week is celebrated this year, the Archdiocese affirms its ongoing dedication: "Our teachers, principals and pastors live out this calling each day," the statement reads. "Through faith, service and learning, our schools continue to be places of deep discovery in the sacred journey of Catholic education."