Bishop David Zubik of the Pittsburgh Diocese will celebrate Mass at a trio of Catholic schools in Butler County this week. His visits coincide with Catholic Schools Week, an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States, which this year runs from through Feb. 3.

Bishop David Zubik of the Pittsburgh Diocese will celebrate Mass at a trio of Catholic schools in Butler County this week.

According to the Rev. Nicholas Vaskov, executive director of communications for the diocese, the bishop's visits coincide with Catholic Schools Week, an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States, which this year runs from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3.

The bishop will celebrate Mass:

- 8 a.m. Tuesday at Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School, 1617 Route 228, Cranberry Township;

- 10:15 a.m. Wednesday at St. Wendelin School, 210 St. Wendelin Road;

- 9 a.m. Friday at Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, 6515 Old Route 8 North in Butler.

“He will be celebrating Mass with pastors of the parishes and chaplains of the schools,” said Vaskov. “It's a chance for the schools to do open houses and have activities and events.”

“St. Wendelin's is the oldest school in the diocese,” said MaryCate Masnon, secretary at the 172-year-old school the serves 172 students in preschool through eighth grade.

“Bishop Zubik is very kind to come up here to help us celebrate Catholic Schools Week,” said Mason.

“The students will take part in the Mass. We have Mass every Wednesday at the church across the road and a different class takes part,” said Mason, adding for the bishop's visit the Mass will be attended by a combination of St. Wendelin's grades.

The bishop will celebrate Mass Tuesday in the Cardinal Wuerl High School auditorium in front the 500-member student body.

A high school spokeswoman said the public is welcome to attend the Mass.

“Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of the high-quality, faith-based education the Catholic school system provides around the world. Each school participates by making connections with those in their school, parish, and extended community to showcase what makes them special,” said Ashley Blystone, assistant principal at Holy Sepulcher, which has 183 students in preschool through eighth grade.

At Holy Sepulcher on Friday, said Kristine Marisco, advancement director, during the Mass “the students will be greeters, proclaimers, readers and help take up the gifts. They fully participate.”

“We invite all from the community to join us in the Mass celebration,” said Marisco.

Started in 1974, Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week.

This year's theme is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.”

Schools usually observe the annual celebration week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members.