St. Peter R.C. School students 'live like a saint' during Catholic Schools Week

Press Release

From Jan. 25-30, students and faculty at St. Peter R.C. School in Lewiston celebrated Catholic Schools Week with special events and a focus on how to “live like a saint,” as they explored ways to positively contribute to their families, school and the community.

“During Catholic Schools Week, we recognize the unique values that Catholic schools provide to students, families and the community,” Principal Maureen Ingham said. “This year, we challenged all our students to demonstrate these values and support others in their own communities.”

Despite the snowy weather, the week kicked off Sunday, Jan. 25, with an open house and special 10 a.m. Mass, where several students shared heartfelt “Why I love St. Peter School” essays.

Tuesday featured a morning session with special guest speaker St. Francis of Assisi, who shared lessons of faith, kindness and service. Later that afternoon, all students came together to learn about the six different saints included in the weeklong celebration: St. Francis of Assisi, St. Bernadette, St. Peter, St. Carlos Acutis, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and St. Terese of Lisieux.

Students were divided into six teams, each representing one of the saints. The day concluded with saint-themed coloring and activities that brought the stories to life. Art teacher Mrs. Rychlik teamed up with Mrs. Ciraolo and her fourth-grade class to create stained glass-inspired posters highlighting these saints, which can be seen in the school and church windows as you drive down North Sixth Street.

On Wednesday, students welcomed the special people, who are saints to them, to a special Mass. These parents, grandparents, friends and community members help guide, support and love the students each day. Afterward, the school hosted a breakfast reception.

As an act of charity and kindness, students were encouraged throughout the week, including at Wednesday’s special Mass, to bring in new or gently used donations of “things that keep us warm,” such as hats, mittens, coats, blankets and sweaters to support Response to Love Center, an organization that supports residents in need from Buffalo’s East Side. By the end of the week, more than 300 items were donated.

To celebrate their community, St. Peter students teamed up with athletes from Niagara University on Thursday. Students showed their Purple Eagle spirit and participated in activities and games with the athletes. There was even a visit from Monte the Purple Eagle, too!

Friday marked the conclusion of the special week with a focus on celebrating the school. All dressed in school spirit wear or sports uniforms for a fun-filled pep rally, including the seventh-grade students vs. faculty volleyball game – an annual tradition this year won by the staff.

As students participated in different team activities and events throughout the week, they earned points for their respective team. The yellow team was recognized with the Spirit Cup Award on Friday afternoon.

“It was a beautiful week of faith, school and community – celebrating what matters most,” Ingham said.

Celebrated annually the last week of January, Catholic Schools Week celebrates Catholic education locally and throughout the country. This year’s theme was “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.”