Today begins Catholic Schools Week, celebrated nationally and locally. The theme this year is “Faith, Academics, Service.”

In a letter to parents, school officials stressed that a student’s faith is fostered through church attendance, religion classes, visits by the parish priests and participation in various retreats.

Schools officials point out that St. Joseph High School students consistently pass the Ohio Graduation Test at a rate of 100 percent and 100 percent of their students pursue higher education. In 2011, graduating seniors were awarded more than $3 million in scholarships.

School officials also point out community service is an integral part of school life, with students collecting food for local food pantries, donating coats for needy families, and participating in several other activities to benefit the community.

Several activities are planned during the week.

At 9 a.m. today, students will attend a Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church; a pancake breakfast will follow.

Monday, magician Gary Booth will visit St. Lawrence Elementary.

Grandparents Day is Tuesday. Grandparents are invited between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. to visit the classrooms for donuts and coffee. This will be followed by an 11 a.m. Mass at St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

On Wednesday, fifth and sixth graders will showcase their knowledge at the annual academic fair. St. Lawrence will have an open house from 6-7:30 p.m. that day as well.

On Friday St. Lawrence students will be treated to ice cream sundaes.