Dear School Communities, Parents, Staff, Boards of Management, and Parish Partners,
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2026 (18–24 January), I am delighted to join with you across the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin in giving thanks for the life, faith and learning that flourish in our Catholic schools.
Catholic Schools Week offers us an opportunity to celebrate the unique contribution of Catholic education, where faith, learning and care are woven into the everyday life of the school community.
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2026, we give thanks for the faith, learning and care that shape daily life in our Catholic schools. This year’s theme, “Catholic Schools – Normal Lives, Called to Holiness,” reminds us that holiness is lived through simple acts of kindness, respect and love. As St (Mother) Teresa said, “We can do small things with great love.” In our Catholic schools, children are encouraged to live this message each day through how they treat others and care for their community. We remember and we pray for all of those who attend, support and work in the Catholic Schools in our diocese.
The purpose of Catholic Schools Week is to highlight the distinctive role of Catholic Education in forming young people who understand their lives as purposeful and grounded in faith.
Catholic Schools share the priorities of Christ towards the weak, the poor, the disadvantaged.
I am so proud of our Catholic Schools, I thank all who work in them, all who are formed by them and all who support them. Our schools are inclusive and welcoming to all.
I thank you sincerely for your commitment to Catholic education and for the care you show to our children each day. May Catholic Schools Week be a time of celebration, gratitude and renewed hope for all our school communities.
With every good wish and blessing,
+ Denis Nulty
Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin
Resources can be found at the following link https://catholiceducation.ie/catholic-schools-week-2026-catholic-schools-normal-lives-called-to-holiness/
Prayer for Catholic Schools Week 2026
Almighty God,
You sent forth your Son as a beacon of hope for all people.
As a Teacher, He has given up the prime example of the importance of education.
As disciples, we look to him for inspiration and strength. Thank you for the many poeple who have dedicated their lives in service to our Catholic Schools.
Thank you for the teachers and administrators who sustain our schools.
Thank you for the parents who have given support and witness to the importance of Catholic education.
Thank you for the students who work hard to further their education.
Bless all our Catholic Schools, their Parish Partners and the many people who advance our mission.
May our schools be a home for those who seek to grow in openness, faith, holiness, love, intellect and commitment to justice.
In your name, we pray.
Amen