CHICAGO (February 1, 2005) – Over 1000 students representing elementary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago will gather at Holy Name Cathedral on Thursday, February 3, for a special 9:30 a.m. liturgy in celebration of African American Heritage Month.

Most Rev. Joseph Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, will be the main celebrant at the liturgy that will incorporate a choir of students from across the archdiocese, processions, and Scripture readings emphasizing the theme of “Imani” or faith.

Archdiocesan schools will incorporate the “Imani” theme in studies during the month of February, designated as African American Heritage Month. Materials sent to the schools emphasize that faith means to believe with all our heart, and faith can change hearts. Building on the notion of believing with all your heart, students from each participating school will place a large red heart, on which they have placed an expression of belief, on a banner during a procession as part of the celebration.

Catholic schools in the Archdiocese celebrate various the ethnic heritage of the Asian, Hispanic and Polish communities also throughout the school year.