Hope, gratitude for gifts of education opportunities exist in diocese

Our annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week is set to begin on Sunday, January 30. It is with great joy that we join with schools across the nation to acknowledge the many blessings of our Catholic schools. Additionally, we are in the midst of celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Diocese of Metuchen! Indeed, we look to 2022 as a time of hope and gratitude for the many gifts that are given to each of us.
 

Catholic schools exist to form students to love God and their neighbor and to become good citizens of the world. The academically excellent education is directed to the growth of the whole person – mind, body, and spirit and the curriculum and accompanying activities reflect this philosophy. The virtue of service to others is a fundamental part of Catholic education, and is readily embraced by our school communities. Countless hours are spent in the hope of easing the burden of others in both the local and national community. Our students participate in trips to Appalachia, host events to support the medical needs of children in the local community, prepare and donate lunches in an effort to reduce hunger in the surrounding areas, and consistently host drives and fundraisers to help those most in need. As Bishop Checchio states in his Pastoral Letter, “the flourishing of God’s presence among us must be demonstrated in our service to others.” Our students learn well that performing these works of mercy is an important part on the road to discipleship.
 

I commend our pastors, principals, and teachers as they work together to offer a rich academic curriculum in person for students despite the challenges presented by the COVID virus. This year, our schools embraced the opportunity to use project-based learning (PBL) as an instructional strategy in the classrooms. PBL encourages students to develop critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills while engaged in solving real-world problems.  Students demonstrate their knowledge by creating a product or presentation for a real audience. This approach is highly motivating for students and consequently results in students developing a deeper understanding of content.
 

While our schools might not be filled with volunteers because of the COVID restrictions, our parents, grandparents, parishioners and alumni certainly have an enormous influence on the culture of our schools! The leadership, financial support, and collaboration with parents and guardians are integral to the success of our Catholic schools. We celebrate all the efforts made by the community to meet the mission of the school. A proud grandparent states: “My grandson knows his prayers and why he prays.  He knows Jesus loves him and he works each day to thank Him. I am confident that he could not get a better education anywhere!”
 

We have so many reasons to give thanks to God for our many blessings. Catholic Schools Week is a perfect time to celebrate our Catholic schools where our students grow in faith, knowledge and service; and it is a perfect time for our students to reflect upon the 40th anniversary of the Diocese of Metuchen where we are called to renew our commitment as Disciples of Christ. May God bless our school communities as they continue their evangelizing mission in the Diocese of Metuchen.
 

Stevens is assistant superintended, diocesan Office of Schools