Another successful Catholic Week

As part of their annual Catholic Week celebrations, Center Moriches’ Our Lady Queen of Apostles Regional Catholic School hosted another year of events from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2. The weeklong celebration highlighted the impact Catholic education has on its students as well as the local community.

“Catholic Schools Week is a time when we celebrate the fantastic students and teachers here at Our Lady Queen of Apostles,” said principal Dawn Waller. “We highlight our exceptional teachers and remarkable students who make every day extraordinary.”

The national theme for Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” and at Our Lady Queen of Apostles, it is a week, she said, they set aside to celebrate their “amazing school community with fun, faith, family, and fostering a love for lifelong learning.”

The week kicked off with an open house on Sunday, Jan. 28, including a Mass at St. John the Evangelists R.C.C. in Center Moriches. The open house allowed those interested in enrolling to participate in a tour of the school and the opportunity to speak with faculty and staff as well as current students and parents.

During the week, students also dressed for success, portraying what they want to be when they grow up on Career Day. The day also included special visits from OLQA family members who answered questions about their individual careers.

This year was their first Career Day, with parents of current students in career fields including police officers, paramedics, nurses, a Suffolk County Judge, a restaurant owner, pharmacist, business owner, physician, attorney, helicopter pilot, civil engineer, and a CPA.

Students also participated in Patriotic Day, where students wore red, white, and blue to show their appreciate and honor for America, and VIP Day, welcoming specially chosen family members to the school.

Later in the week, students were able to participate in an academic bowl, volleyball tournament, and a talent show.

The academic bowl included physical and mental game challenges, where students broke up into teams. Challenges included balance beams, math bingo, physical education stations, and academic elements utilizing math and reasoning skills.

Eighth graders participated in the volleyball tournament against their teachers. Special guests, including members of the Suffolk County Police Department, St. John the Evangelist Pastor Fr. Patrick Riegger and Tess Austin, director of Catholic Identity and Mission for the Diocese of Rockville Centre Department of Education, were also invited to join in the game. According to OLQA, the Class of 2024 played a good game, but the teachers came out on top and remain undefeated.

The talent show ended the week celebrated by Fr. Patrick. In the talent show, they had students in grade 4 through 8 participate. Some of the talents were a magic show, stand-up comedy, tap solo, Irish step dancing, gymnastics/dance, solo singing, and piano solos.

“It’s wonderful that the students can study and learn in a very prayerful, religious environment. It allows them to put God first, which can be challenging at times in our society,” he said. “Through the lens of faith, Catholic Schools also foster community and teach children the importance of service and compassion. It’s encouraging to be able to visit the students and share my faith with them as they grow in knowledge and understanding of God.”

To learn about our Catholic School in Center Moriches, visit olqany.org.