Governor Evers proclaims Catholic Schools Week
MADISON, WI — Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed January 25 through January 31, 2026, as Catholic Schools Week in Wisconsin. The proclamation coincides with the national observance of Catholic Schools Week and recognizes the over 275 Catholic schools in Wisconsin serving over 52,000 Wisconsin students.
Catholic education has nearly two centuries of history in Wisconsin. While Catholic education has been celebrated for generations, we have celebrated Catholic Schools Week in the United States since 1974. As noted in the proclamation, Catholic schools provide “a learning environment that emphasizes the formation of Catholic values and a commitment to community Service.”
The Governor’s words are in keeping with the theme of Catholic Schools Week, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” The annual week-long observance celebrates a vital ministry of the Church and a valuable community resource, our Catholic schools. For tens of thousands of students in Wisconsin, Catholic schools have provided this opportunity and will continue to do so for generations to come.
Catholic schools across Wisconsin are hosting many events in observance of Catholic Schools Week, including Masses, open houses, and special activities for students. To find out the special ways in which this week is being celebrated, contact your local Catholic school or visit the school’s website.
Sacred Heart Catholic School holds inaugural distinguished alumni recognition
SHAWANO, WI — Sacred Heart School has a new initiative honoring alumni who exemplify lives of faith, service, and commitment to the Church and community. As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and renew relationships with its alumni, Sacred Heart Catholic School has established the A Heart Like Christ’s Alumni Award, recognizing graduates whose lives reflect Christ-like service both locally and beyond. The school hosted a special assembly this Monday, January 26, 2026, Sacred Heart School will host a special assembly on Monday at 10:30 a.m. to honor the inaugural recipients of the 2026 A Heart Like Christ’s Alumni Award: James Boehm and Sharon Giese.
During the assembly, both honorees shared a few words with students and staff, offering witness to lives rooted in faith, service, and love of neighbor.
James “Jim” Boehm, a 1972 graduate of Sacred Heart School, is an active parishioner at St. Raphael Parish in Oshkosh. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Father Carr’s Place to Be, a shelter serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Under his leadership, Father Carr’s Place to Be also operates a food pantry and provides free medical and dental care for those who are underinsured or uninsured. Jim’s work reflects a lifelong commitment to serving the most vulnerable and living out the Gospel call to charity.
Sharon Giese, a 1957 eighth-grade graduate of Sacred Heart School, has been a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Parish, from childhood through the present day. Her dedication spans generations, with her children and grandchildren also attending Sacred Heart School. Sharon has served the parish and school community in countless ways over the years, including as a member of the Booster Club, a devoted Church Picnic volunteer (and joyful presence on the polka floor), a member of the Council of Catholic Women and its many initiatives—including the annual rummage sale—and as a principal cook for funeral luncheons. She has also prepared meals for SAM 25, participated in Catholic Order of Foresters and Catholic Financial Life, and served on numerous parish and school committees, including the Finance Council. Her quiet faithfulness and generous service have left a lasting impact on the Sacred Heart community.
Through the A Heart Like Christ’s Alumni Award, Sacred Heart School seeks to celebrate alumni who continue to embody the values instilled during their years at Sacred Heart and to inspire current students to live lives of faith-filled service.
Pope approves decrees for two new Blesseds and four Venerables
VATICAN — On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Pope Leo XIV held an audience with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, and authorized him to promulgate decrees related to two people who will be beatified and four new Venerables.
The decrees recognized the martyrdom of Fr. Augusto Rafael Ramírez Monasterio, a priest of the Order of Friars Minor, and a miracle attributed to the intercession of Sr. Maria Ignazia Isacchi, founder of the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Asola. Both will therefore be proclaimed Blessed.
He also recognized the heroic virtues of Nerino Cobianchi, a layman, and Srs. Crocifissa Militerni, Maria Giselda Villela, and Maria Tecla Antonia Relucenti, who have been proclaimed Venerable.
Read the full article from Vatican News here: onmiss.io/popeapprovesdecrees