Dear Parents:
Catholic School’s Week was last week and I couldn’t be more proud to have been a part of the celebration. I grew up in a very Catholic family who believed that you make sacrifices to send children to Catholic school and sacrifice was what was done by most of the middle class during my childhood. There was very little discussion about which school to go to. My parents never even looked at public school. It was Catholic School and nothing else. Every part of me is defined by my family and my faith. My parents were my primary educators but they were helped by the Sisters of Charity, pastors and others in the Church. Even though Catholic education is so expensive now, the wealth of help and support that you receive is well worth the price.
I recently read an article written by Elizabeth Barkley that states five characteristics of Catholic Schools that support her belief that Catholic school is the right choice to make for your children. The first characteristic is one of shared values. The staff in Catholic schools has made a commitment to embrace a common set of Catholic-Christian values. They buy into core beliefs that they bring to all of their classes, not just religion class. Secondly, Catholic schools provide an opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist, which is the heart of our religion. The celebration is incorporated in the curriculum by having all school masses where teachers and other adults have the opportunity to model their faith to the students. Students then have a chance to learn Catholic rituals and the meaning of the mass. Third, Catholic schools are places where students and teachers can discuss the history of the church, seeing both its strength and its weaknesses throughout time. Fourth, children in Catholic school learn and practice Catholic social teaching. They learn a set of values that guide them to give service to those in need. Students are consistently exposed to principles that give them moral guidance to contemporary issues. Finally, Catholic schools raise the bar and demand excellence in academics. This includes a growth in faith. Questions that develop as they mature in their faith can be answered. Catholic schools equip students with fundamental knowledge to help them manage their world and its moral implications. I think that Ms. Barkley summed it perfectly. Catholic schools touch the lives of all that enter. Our children are the future of the Church.
We need to look no further than our own school when we ask how our students are learning social teachings. With the earthquakes in Haiti being so prominent in the news, it was our students who asked if they could do something to help. Students collected over $1,400.00 to donate to Hand in Hand Ministries who will send medical supplies to help Haitians. This is in addition to the already generous amount given to the parish to donate to Catholic Charities. Again, children learn by watching what adults do. When we as adults show a caring attitude the children will mimic this. We are truly blessed by the generosity of so many of you that serve as models of our faith. Thank you for choosing Catholic schools for your children. The costs have strained all of our budgets but the rewards of our sacrifice will be felt in the future.
