Catholic Schools Week kicks off Monday

CHICAGO (CBS)-- Cardinal Blase Cupich kicked off Catholic Schools Week with a visit to Academy of Saint Benedict the African Monday morning.

The Cardinal attended the morning assembly at the Englewood school. This year's theme for Catholic Schools Week is "Faith. Excellence. Service."

He enjoyed a song with students. He also thanked the faculty, parents and the community for helping children with their education.

He told the children they aren't just students to him.

"You're something else to me, you're friends," he said. "I consider you my friends and I'm going to be there each and every day looking for ways your education can continue."

Since 1974, Catholic Schools Week has been an annual celebration of religious education in the U.S.