By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

It’s National Catholic Schools Appreciation Week and, according to Thomas More Prep-Marian Principal Kathy Taylor, the week will be a busy one for Catholic schools in Ellis County.

For the first time the week has a national theme — “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.”  Each day of the week will honor that theme.  For instance, Monday’s theme,  “Appreciating our Local Community,” is about service to the community.

According to the National Catholic Educational Association’s website,  having a national theme for the week is a new initiative.

“The 2014 theme was developed in response to member requests for a theme and logo that would last more than a year, the new theme will be used for at least three years,” the organization said.

Taylor said the week culminates with an all-county Catholic school Mass at 10 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Students from TMP, Holy Family Elementary and St. Mary’s School in Ellis will attend the Mass presided by Bishop Edward Weisenberger.

Taylor said Mass is usually the students favorite part of the week.

“It is just amazing to see the church just packed to the limit,” she said.