Academy Launches Week with Concert Performance at Rome Capitol Theatre

ONEIDA CASTLE, NY (January 31, 2011) – Holy Cross Academy students and faculty are joining over 7,000 Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the United States to celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration that focuses attention on the good work done by the nation’s Catholic schools. The week will be observed Jan. 30 to Feb. 5. Catholic Schools Week is a joint project of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The HCA Choir performs with the popular Irish band The Elders and lead
vocalist Ian Byrne (right) during Saturday’s concert at the Rome Capitol Theatre

The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2011 celebrates the fact that Catholic schools are an added value (“A+”) for the nation. Because of their traditionally high academic standards and high graduation rates, all supported by strong moral values, Catholic schools and their graduates make a definite contribution to American society.

Holy Cross Academy is the only independent secondary school in Madison County and has experienced steady growth since its first academic year in 1997. In a time of economic struggles for many schools, HCA has followed a “back to basics” approach, focusing on the quality of its academic program, and providing a safe, family-like environment for learning, while keeping tuition costs low. This Catholic Schools Week, HCA wishes to emphasize its continued commitment to high academic standards, service to the community, and affordability for families.

HCA kicked-off the week by sharing the gift of music with the local community. The HCA Choir opened for the popular Irish band The Elders at the Rome Capitol Theatre Saturday night and also performed two pieces with the group.

The week will continue with events for teachers and students, including a school-wide collection for local food pantries, Teacher Appreciation Day, and School Spirit Day. Catholic Schools Week concludes with the seventh annual Central New York Sportsman Show, hosted by Holy Cross Academy, taking place Saturday, February 5, at Oneida’s Kallet Civic Center from 9am-4pm.

On Friday, February 4, the public is invited to attend Mass offered by Msgr. Matthew Luczycki at 11:15am at the Academy’s chapel. The prayer intentions of Holy Cross supporters and benefactors will be remembered at the Mass.

Holy Cross Academy is an independent Catholic School located at 4020 Barrington Road in Oneida Castle. For more information, visit www.holycrossacademy.com.

For more information on Catholic Schools Week: www.ncea.org/news/CatholicSchoolsWeek.asp