WHEREAS, Catholic Schools Week is an annual national celebration of the important role
that Catholic education plays in providing a comprehensive, values-based education to
approximately 1. 7 million young people in 5,905 Catholic schools across our Nation which
includes approximately 7,464 students in 30 Catholic schools and early childhood centers in
Mississippi; and,
WHEREAS, we acknowledge the 178 years that Catholic Schools throughout Mississippi have
educated thousands of students of all faith traditions and varying racial and ethnic
backgrounds, in a learning environment of high academic standards, moral values, and
religious beliefs supported by the home; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the commitment of parents and guardians who send their children
to Catholic schools; and
WHEREAS, we furthermore value and appreciate the thousands of teachers and auxiliary
personnel who have provided and continue to provide outstanding education to students in
Catholic schools and early childhood centers throughout the State of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 celebration theme, '·Catholic Schools: United in Faith and
community. ., encompasses the mission and values that can be found in Catholic schools:
Teaching students to become faith-filled disciples, enriched citizens, and future servant leaders
in our communities. In Catholic schools, we are all learners, servants, and leaders.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tate Reeves, Governor of the State of Mississippi, do hereby
proclaim the week of January 26 - February 1, 2025, as
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
in the State of Mississippi and encourage our citizens to join in celebrating and recognizing the
incalculable contribution Catholic schools make by educating students in our State and in our
Nation.