Santa Barbara Catholic Schools Celebrate National Catholic Schools Week

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Catholic schools across Central and Southern California are celebrating National Catholic Schools Week, a nationwide event that highlights faith-based education, community, and service. This year marks the 52nd anniversary of the annual celebration. Schools in the Santa Barbara area celebrated with a variety of events designed to bring students, families, and educators together, including a K-12 Mass, a community barbecue, a motivational talk, and a special celebration honoring grandparents.

Why it matters

National Catholic Schools Week is an important annual tradition that allows Catholic schools to showcase their commitment to faith-based education and community engagement. The celebrations in Santa Barbara reflect the broader mission of Catholic schools to nurture students' spiritual, academic, and social development.

The details

On Tuesday, Catholic students from across the Central Coast gathered at Bishop Garcia Diego High School for a day centered on connection, worship, and community. The week's theme, 'Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,' was reflected throughout the events and activities. Schools celebrated all week long with a variety of events designed to bring students, families, and educators together.

• National Catholic Schools Week ran from January 26 to January 31, 2026.
• The celebrations in Santa Barbara concluded on January 31, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Schools in the Santa Barbara area will continue to build on the community connections and sense of unity fostered during National Catholic Schools Week throughout the rest of the academic year.