Virtual and in-person activities for students, families, parishioners and community members are planned across award-winning Diocese of Orange parochial schools   Garden Grove, Calif., (Nov. 9, 2020) — Diocese of Orange Catholic Schools will host a series of special events from Nov. 9-15 for students and parents to mark Discover Catholic Schools Week, a national initiative across dioceses in the U.S. for prospective families. The celebration includes weeklong activities designed to showcase the rich traditions and many benefits of a Catholic education. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” With 36 campus locations, over 16,000 students and teachers representing numerous cities across Southern California, Diocese of Orange Catholic Schools embrace these tenets in a family and faith-based environment. During the week, some schools will be offering in-person tours of their campuses. Other schools will be hosting virtual events and livestreams, including student presentations and webinars. “All are invited to visit, tour, and experience how Diocese of Orange schools educate and inspire young minds spiritually, academically, and in service to others,” said Dr. Erin C.O. Barisano, Diocese of Orange superintendent of Catholic schools. “While there are many reasons to choose a Catholic education, some core highlights include the intellectual, moral, and above all, spiritual benefits it provides. We guide each student on their quest for learning to uphold respect of self and the value of service to others in order for them to become good stewards and future leaders.” According to National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), the organization that started the annual campaign, there are more than 6,000 Catholic schools serving 2 million students nationwide. These schools—elementary, middle, and secondary—are spread across the country, giving families across the U.S. the opportunity to experience Catholic education. NCEA introduced this ‘week’ last year as an addition to its Celebrate Catholic Schools Week held every January since 1974. “Discover Catholic Schools Week is also a time to acknowledge all those who worked tirelessly to prepare our schools for safe reopening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of their efforts our schools opened as scheduled and remain a source of hope in these challenging times,” added Barisano. Each school’s activities can be found by visiting us online and selecting the school nearest to you. Enrollment for Orange Catholic Schools remains open for all grades and for students of all ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds. For more information, please email us at [email protected] or visit occatholicschools.org.   About the Diocese of Orange With 1.3 million Catholics, 57 parishes, five Catholic Centers, and 36 schools, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is one of the largest, most diverse and fastest-growing faith communities in the United States. The Diocese empowers Catholics across Orange County to have an active life of faith that is integrated and woven into the fabric of their daily lives through the community and sacramental life of the Church. Under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Vann, the Diocese works to establish and support dynamic, vibrant parishes and schools, and welcome all to live the Gospel with faith, joy, charity and unity. Christ Cathedral, the spiritual home of the Diocese, was dedicated in July 2019. Learn more about the Diocese of Orange at rcbo.staging.wpengine.com   ### Contacts Meehan Business Advisers Andrew Meehan, (949) 285-0759 [email protected]   Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange County and Christ Cathedral Tracey Kincaid, (714) 282-3075 [email protected]