Winona-Rochester Bishop Robert Barron took advantage of this week’s celebration of National Catholic Schools Week to let the faithful know that Catholic schools make a difference in the world.

“Friends, it’s the start of Catholic Schools Week, and I had the privilege of celebrating Mass for our local Catholic schools,” Barron said in a tweet. “The unique purpose of this school, and of all Catholic schools, is to make you a saint — and saints change the world.”

"Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” is the theme for this year’s observance, according to the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).

The celebration of Catholic education has been observed in the U.S. since 1974. The weeklong recognition begins on the final Sunday of January each year. Observance generally includes special Masses, open houses and other events for students, families, parishioners and the community, the NCEA said. During these events, schools highlight the impact Catholic education has on young people, communities and the nation as a whole. 

Barron celebrated Mass for many local Catholic schools, including Loyola Catholic Schools, Cotter Catholic Schools and Rochester Catholic Schools, during the course of the week, according to Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

On Tuesday, Barron wrote an article titled "Why Catholic Schools Matter” for his Word on Fire website. 

"At the beginning of February, the Church in the United States celebrates Catholic Schools Week,” Barron said in the article. "I would like to take this opportunity to sing the praises of Catholic schools and to invite everyone — Catholic and non-Catholic alike — to support them.”