Catholic school students grow in faith, excel in academics, serve others

It is with great anticipation that we approach Catholic Schools Week 2023! This week is a special time for us as we celebrate the many accomplishments of our students, despite the challenges of the past few years. We enthusiastically celebrate the mission of our schools: to form Disciples of Christ in a Catholic atmosphere where children can grow in faith, excel in academics and serve others. Throughout the week we recognize with gratitude the various stakeholders in our school communities who contribute to the education of the whole child.

Our students have reaped the benefits of consistent, rigorous, in person instruction over the past few years and perform above the national average in reading and mathematics as seen in standardized testing results. Our dedicated teachers and administrators work tirelessly to ensure the growth of all students in mind, body and spirit by providing an education that combines Catholic faith and teachings with academic excellence. This year we continue our work with Project-Based Learning, where students have the opportunity to look at problem solving in a global context. Important communication and collaboration skills are developed as students present creative solutions to global problems, such as world-wide hunger and climate change. The themes of our Catholic Social Teachings are integrated throughout the projects as our students learn the responsibilities of putting our faith into action.

The past few years have proven challenging and educators have seen a great need to support the social and emotional needs of children. We are so blessed in our Catholic schools to provide this support in the classrooms as we affirm our identity as sons and daughters of God.  The loving and caring school communities that emphasize prayer create a safe and secure setting for our children. Our schools are blessed to be supported by clergy and religious as they help to guide students in their faith journey.   Additionally, students are provided opportunities to develop and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ as they attend Eucharistic Adoration and participate in Holy Mass and Reconciliation. Students learn about saints, holy men and women, whose lives were dedicated to serving God. The saints serve as role models for our students as they learn and grow in virtue.

We are especially grateful for the strong relationships that are built with the parents and guardians of our students. Recognizing that parents are the primary educators of their children, we seek to support families and work with them for the benefit of the children. Strong Home School Associations exist within our schools, and we applaud the commitment of so many parents as they work in conjunction with teachers and administrators. Family engagement is of primary importance to the successful operation of a Catholic school, and we are truly grateful for the strong home/school partnerships that are present within our school communities.

The bishops of the United States continuously underscore the mission of our Catholic schools – to proclaim the Gospel, to build community, and to serve our brothers and sisters.  Bishop James Checchio states in his pastoral letter, “Catholic education should educate our young people to be truly free, intellectually honest and dynamically prepared to engage the wider culture with confidence. As we continue to provide Catholic education and faith formation, we not only are evangelizing; we are forming the next generation of evangelizers.”

I invite you to come visit our schools as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week January 29 – February 3.  Many of our schools host Open Houses on January 29th as well as other days during that week; check school websites for further details. Come and learn more about the Catholic school experience!

Stevens is superintendent, diocesan Office of Schools