The beginning of a new school year gives me the opportunity to reflect on the role of our Catholic schools in the mission of the Church. The school is indeed a “privileged means” of the Church “to proclaim the good news of salvation to all, generate new creatures in Christ through Baptism, and train them to live knowingly as children of God.” (The Catholic School, cf. # 7, 8)

Thirty-three new teachers joined our diocesan Catholic schools this year. Together with two hundred-fifty dedicated teachers they have begun a new school year. At a gathering for new teachers on August 25th, the teachers were welcomed to the diocesan Catholic school community. Each of the italicized words is a significant factor in the identity a Catholic school.  

Jesus reminded the disciples, “He who welcomes you welcomes me” (Mt. 10:40). In our Catholic Schools, administrators, teachers, students, parents, and staff members acknowledge the special bond in faith that unites them with one another. School personnel recognize that they are called to be the face of Christ for all those with whom and for whom they minister. But, in return, students and parents are Christ for Catholic school personnel. This reciprocal relationship of being “Christ bearers” to one another, establishes within a Catholic school the hospitable and loving environment in which the school community is challenged to know Jesus and to accept the Gospel message in its full integrity  

Our schools are expected to provide an academic setting for outstanding instruction in human knowledge and skills. As Catholic schools, they are expected to provide instruction imbued with Catholic values, the conviction that the Catholic tradition should be passed on, and the example of a Christian way of life. Catholic schools are expected to do more and to be different. The academic knowledge and skills that our schools impart are infused with Gospel values and the rich tradition of our Catholic faith and heritage. This Catholic identity must be present and evident in everything that a Catholic school says and does. Catholic identity should be evident from the classroom environment . . . to conduct on the playground; from classroom instruction in all subject areas . . .  to the rules of behavior and conduct in the sports arena; from interaction between teachers and parents regarding a student’s academic performance and behavior . . . to relationships among students and between teachers and students. Thus, students in our Catholic schools grow not only in the knowledge and skills associated with academic performance, but also in the virtues needed to live as a Christian in a secular world.  

A Catholic school is a community of faith. Within this community children learn about their Catholic faith and experience the dynamic of a living faith through prayer, the celebration of the Liturgy, the Christian example of school personnel, and opportunities to give of themselves through service to others. Through baptism, a child is joined to God’s family. In the school setting the privilege and responsibility of this reality are taught and experienced. Thus children learn the importance of the love of God and neighbor and the virtues associated with the Gospel message. This enables them to live as committed members of God’s family as well as citizens of integrity in the civil community.

Although each Catholic school in the diocese has its unique history, philosophy and mission, each school is expected to recognize and promote the principles that are the foundation of Catholic school education, namely, the primary place of the Gospel in a total education program, the role of parents as the first educators of their children, the development of the whole person, the communal nature of the person, the uniqueness of each person and the pursuit of academic excellence.  Each school is part of a diocesan school network and can expect to find from the Department of Education, support, guidance and encouragement.

Superintendent's Message
Sister Ellen Rose, SSJ