CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2026 - 18 TO 25 JANUARY - 'NORMAL LIVES, CALLED TO HOLINESS'

Catholic schools across Ireland will celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2026 from 18–24 January under the theme ‘Catholic Schools – Normal Lives, Called to Holiness’, inviting pupils, families and school communities to reflect on how holiness is lived through ordinary daily life.

Inspired by the words of Pope Francis on Saint Carlo Acutis, the theme emphasises that holiness is not reserved for a select few, but is a universal calling.  “Holiness does not mean performing extraordinary things, but doing ordinary things with love and faith,” Pope Francis said, reflecting on the young Italian whose life of friendship, study and digital creativity was rooted in a deep love of the Eucharist.

Catholic Schools Week aims to highlight the distinctive role of Catholic education in forming young people who understand their lives as purposeful and grounded in faith.  The theme echoes Pope Francis’ exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate, which teaches that each person is called to holiness through love and witness in everyday circumstances.

Alan Hynes, Chief Executive of the Catholic Education Partnership, said the theme speaks powerfully to students and educators alike. “Catholic schools accompany young people as they grow, helping them to see that holiness is not about being perfect or extraordinary, but about kindness, courage, prayer and service in daily life,” he said.  “In classrooms, playgrounds and homes, Catholic education seeks to show that faith is lived one ordinary moment at a time.”

Each day of Catholic Schools Week 2026 will focus on a particular aspect of everyday holiness.  Monday will explore holiness through prayer, helping children understand prayer as a living relationship with God.  Tuesday will focus on love and friendship, inspired by Jesus’ commandment to love one another.  Wednesday, traditionally marked as Grandparents’ Day, will celebrate family life and the role of grandparents in handing on faith across generations.

On Thursday, schools will reflect on holiness through service and courage, highlighting examples of self-giving love and standing up for what is right.  The week will conclude on Friday with a focus on joy and mission, encouraging pupils to see themselves as joyful witnesses to the Gospel in the world.

Catholic Schools Week also draws on the words of Pope Leo XIV, who recently affirmed that “the saints show us that holiness is not about escape from the world, but deep engagement with it in the Spirit of Christ.”

Through prayer, liturgy, classroom activities and community involvement, Catholic Schools Week 2026 will celebrate the belief that ordinary lives, lived with faith and love, can become paths to holiness.

For Resources to celebrate Catholic Schools week, click the link below:

Catholic Schools Week 2026 – Catholic Schools – Normal Lives, Called to Holiness | Catholic Education Partnership