Catholic Schools Week will be celebrated from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, 2024. For the January Junior Saints, students were invited to draw a picture and write about something that they like about their Catholic school, parish religious education class, or Catholic homeschooling.
St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“My favorite part about St. Mary’s Catholic School in Landover Hills is our prayer service in the gym every Monday. One grade leads the prayer service every Monday going in chronological order from eighth grade to pre-kindergarten 3. This is my favorite part of my school, because it helps to lead us into a good week. Coming together as a school to pray to the Lord allows for us to have a blessed week. During prayer service, we also recite our school motto, which is a reminder of why we attend our school. The motto inspires us to work hard during the week and encourages us to be great. We also recite the motto, morning prayer and Pledge of Allegiance every morning through the announcements. These morning prayers enable me to start another wonderful week and encourage me to perform my best effort in each class.” – Artwork above and writing by Imanie Mayi, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills, Maryland
“There are so many things about St. Mary’s! One of the many things I love about my school is the tight-knit community and how we get to act ourselves comfortably. St. Mary’s is the place you could call your second home. The staff and students will always support, comfort and talk to you. …You will never worry about not making friends at this school, because we welcome all and accept all for who they are. We are all special in our own kind of way! St. Mary’s will make sure that you know that each and every student carries potential and that they are important in this world.” – Bianca Hernandez, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“The thing that I like most about my school is the diversity… Diversity is so important, because it brings together different perspectives, experiences and ideas. When we have diverse voices and backgrounds, we can solve problems more creatively and effectively. It helps us think outside the box and consider different angles. Plus, it promotes understanding, empathy and respect among people from different cultures and backgrounds. So embracing diversity makes our world richer and more vibrant. It is always exciting to come to school every day and learn about new things and experiences from different backgrounds.” – Artwork and writing by Kelsie Ambe, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“My favorite part about my school is that I get to socialize with my friends and that I can learn new things with them. We all laugh and have a good time together. St. Mary’s is somewhere we can all be ourselves Also I like that I am able to ask any of my teachers questions and they will take time out of their busy schedules to help me understand the subject. I’m really glad to be part of a community where I am accepted and we all have each other’s backs and make sure that we all are on the right path.” – Alexis Zelaya, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I like playing soccer with my friends at recess. We have fun.” – Artwork and writing by Christian Eioel, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I like math because I like numbers.” – Zara Larry, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“We pray. We love our friends.” – Mateo Mejia, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I like religion class. We learn about the Gospels. We learn about Jesus.” – Emmanuel Nwugo, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I like to play with my friends at school. I like learning handwriting. I have fun at school!” – Artwork and writing by Danielle Tanyidah, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I love that my friends are at my school. I enjoy math class.” – Liam Avila, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
Little Flower School, Great Mills
“The thing I love most about my Catholic school is the fact that we get to work with pre-kindergarten students. I say that because it is not easy, but it is fun, especially when we take them to Mass every Tuesday. They always give us hugs and want to hold our hands. I love seeing them play and have fun with smiles on their faces. Every time we meet with them, it is a new story that they tell us whether it is about tractors, Spider-Man, or even dinosaurs. They bring joy to anybody they meet, and I cannot wait to see them all grown up and mature.” – Artwork and writing by Paxton Burgan, eighth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills, Maryland
“I love my Catholic school because of all the fun things to do to keep us entertained. The Angel Tree is a fundraiser for the kids in need so they can have presents for Christmas. We also go to church every Tuesday to lift us up. The staff here is always so nice and keeps us on track. St. Thérèse is the patron saint of Little Flower School, and she is one of my favorite saints.” – Dominic Schombs, eighth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“I enjoy religion class because we get to learn more about the Bible. I have learned so much about the Catholic religion from religion class alone. It can be very educational for someone who learns about Jesus at school. That is why I like Catholic schools. I love my Catholic school most of all because we have an amazing religion class and teacher.” –Artwork and writing by Taylor Lee, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“One thing I like about Little Flower School is having students with special needs. Growing up around these kids helps you understand that everyone is different. No one should judge anyone for being different. God made everyone with different talents, and Little Flower helps you see that. This makes the school a more inclusive place.” – Jenna Rowand, eighth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“One thing I like about my Catholic school is that we get to go to church every Tuesday. This allows us to spend time with God and worship Him. You can also take this time and thank God. You should thank Him for giving you life, keeping you safe and healthy, and helping you through your struggles. When I am in church, I know God is with me. That is why I like my Catholic school.” – Artwork and writing by Daniel Sebring, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“What I like about my Catholic school is the environment. I always come to school knowing that there are good teachers and friends that are there with me, like my religion teacher who teaches us how to be a good Catholic and a Christian. The deacons and priests are always coming by and answer any questions we may have. At Mass, the priest is fun and involved in every Mass, which makes it more interesting. Whenever I do a reading, it helps me better understand and learn the Word of God.” – Brylee Price, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Something I like about my school is the garden. The garden is a peaceful place at the back of the school, and it has a brick walkway. On some of the bricks there are names of loved ones from others. The garden has a statue of Saint Thérèse who is our patron saint. A few years ago, some of my classmates and I cleaned the garden and painted rocks for it. This is something I’ll never forget.” – Artwork and writing by Mya Hartzer, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“One thing I like about Little Flower is the prayer partners. I say that because you can do fun activities with them. For example, we made a snowman craft, had hot cocoa, and watched a movie together. We also made cards for them at Christmas. When we walk them over to church every week, we can talk to them, bond and be silly with them. I like seeing them smile and having them as prayer partners.” –Emily Wagner, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Something I like about Catholic schools is that you can express your faith freely. I also like the fact that there are smaller classes because you can get to know everyone in your class, and it helps you when learning. I think it is important to have smaller classes. Another reason I like Catholic schools is that the teachers are nice and give you help.” – Kendall Pulliam, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
Artwork by Adalene Jones, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“My favorite thing about Little Flower School is that we have fun religious traditions including the Blessing of the Pets and celebrating the Epiphany of the Lord. The school has a special needs program that is very important for most of the children. I love the education I get and the friends I make.” – Jeremy Barnard, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“Here is what I like about my school. First of all, I like the teachers. All my teachers are very kind, smart, and care about students. The second thing I like about my school is the other students at my school. My classmates are always willing to help and are eager to learn. Teachers and students of my school create a community that is devoted to God, and being caring, and supportive. My school is a great place to learn and make new friends.” – Artwork and writing by Mark Gurevich, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda, Maryland
“We do a lot of great and wonderful things at St. Bart’s during Catholic Schools Week and throughout the year. We have a small school, but the biggest hearts and great ideas to make our school and community better. We pack and deliver food, clothes and essential items to all kinds of groups and organizations that need our help. One of the things I love about St. Barts is that we go to Mass every Friday. I think we are very fortunate to have this opportunity to celebrate Jesus’s sacrifice for us.” – Myles Butler, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“I like altar serving at my school.” – Sophia Delaney, eighth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“What I like about my Catholic school is the church.” – Artwork and writing by Coco Chiu, seventh grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“I enjoy spending time with my friends at school.” – Artwork and writing by Sarah Juzbasic, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings, Maryland
Artwork by Alexander Hunt, fifth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings, Maryland
“I love to be at Cardinal Hickey Academy because almost every subject and resource includes Mary, Jesus and God. Also, everyone is allowed to live their faith freely and come to Mass on Friday.” – Elliott Stotler, fourth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I love my Catholic school because it helps my relationship with God. I also love the stained glass.” – Matthew Hedin, fourth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“What I like about Cardinal Hickey Academy is that I am free to live my faith. I learn cursive and I can go to Mass every Friday. Everyone is nice. I love Cardinal Hickey Academy!” – Brayden Jackson, fourth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I like Cardinal Hickey Academy for many reasons. One of the reasons is because we get to go to Mass every Friday. I think it is important for us to go to the Mass because you receive the Holy Eucharist. Cardinal Hickey Academy is not just a school; it is a community!” – Otto Savisaar, fifth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“The thing I love most about my school is the education in Christ.” – Artwork and writing by Cecilia Schiavone, fourth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I have been going to Catholic school all my life. I remember once a week during pre-school, the priest from the church next door taught us about our faith. It was always a highlight of my week. Now, in fifth grade, we do the same thing. Every Wednesday a priest comes and answers all our questions. It is still one of my favorite parts of the week. Another thing I look forward to at Catholic school is during Lent and Advent when two or three priests come to the church, and third grade and up get to go to Confession. It is a great way to stay in touch with Jesus through the sacraments. I am glad I go to Catholic school.” – Mary Grover, fifth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I love my school because it teaches about my faith. Most of all I love the teachers, they guide me through everything I need help with. My class doesn’t make me feel sad when I get something wrong. Most of all I LOVE my church. I can think in peace. It makes me feel like I'm the only person there, just me and God. That’s my favorite part of the school, but there’s also my friends who help me through everything that’s going on in my life. I love that we always celebrate God and all the holidays. I’ve dreamed of a school like this. In the mornings I’m so excited to go to school. I also
