Washington, D.C. (NCEA) — “Catholic Schools - Dividends for Life” is the theme selected for Catholic Schools Week 2010. 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. 31 to Feb. 6, 2010.

Catholic Schools Week is a joint project of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

According to Karen Ristau, NCEA president, “Catholic schools provide good things for students and families—high expectations and daily experience of faith. In these challenging times, the theme also reminds parents that the dividends of a Catholic school education—students prepared in faith, knowledge, morals and discipline—last a lifetime. There is no better way to invest in a child’s future—or the future of our world.”

Marie Powell, executive director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, noted: “We realize that in most parts of the country a Catholic education is not without some cost. But I can't think of a better investment in the future than to invest in the education of a child.”

The logo designed for the week features a cross superimposed on an outstretched hand. Rays coming from behind the hand express the concepts of faith, knowledge, morals and discipline—all beneficial aspects of a Catholic education. The theme “Catholic Schools" runs across the top of the art and "Dividends for Life” runs across the bottom of the art.

As part of Catholic Schools Week, National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools will be observed Wednesday, Feb. 3. National Appreciation Day was established to encourage supporters nationwide to showcase to elected officials the great accomplishments and contributions of Catholic schools. In Washington, a delegation of Catholic school students, teachers and parents will visit Capitol Hill to meet with congressional leaders to promote Catholic schools.

Schools in other parts of the country are encouraged to carry their message of good news to local and state officials.

NCEA is the largest private, professional education association in the world. Founded in 1904, the association's membership represents more than 200,000 educators serving more than 7 million students at all levels of Catholic education. USCCB is the national public policy organization of the bishops in the United States.