This week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week. The theme this year is “Catholic Schools, United in Faith and in Community.” That sums up the very reason for celebrating our Catholic schools.

The Catholic Church in the United States has long recognized Catholic schools as a critical component of evangelization. Jesus told His disciples to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mk 16:15). In Catholic schools the Gospel is proclaimed and lived in many ways.

First, there is the important role of our Catholic identity. That is the reality of being united in faith.

The knowledge about the reality of God and His merciful love, revealed to the world and through Christ, the Scriptures and through the Church, helps the human race to understand the importance and meaning of all creation. Vital also is the knowledge that every person is made in the image and likeness of God.

Our schools form students to grow and learn in the context of a deeply personal relationship
with Jesus Christ. This context of committed Catholic identity helps train our students and prepare them for a life of grace that forms them spiritually and humanly.

All students in our schools, whether they be Catholic or not, benefit from the academic excellence given by our teachers and administrators. Catholic schools are known for setting high standards for students, and then for helping them to succeed as they strive to meet those goals. Nationally, for example, Catholic high schools have a 99% graduation rate. In addition, 85% of graduates of Catholic high schools go on to college studies.

Throughout our Catholic schools there are offerings of STEM programs, fine arts, performing arts, robotics, and service projects, just to name some of the educational advantages and opportunities. But a constant component of the learning experience involves the character formation of our students.

The learning environment provided in Catholic schools emphasizes moral discipline along with self-discipline. Our dedicated and committed educators, both teachers and administrators, foster this important spiritual and personal growth in an environment that is safe and welcoming for all of our students, whatever their faith background.

Participation in a Catholic school is also an invitation to be part of a committed community. It is our Catholic commitment to stress the importance of family and family values. Children grow together in a supportive way in our schools which are known for linking families with this shared vision of excellence for their children. Our schools recognize that parents are the primary educators of their children. Catholic schools seek to provide support and wider context for their parental effort.

The community that benefits from Catholic education is wider than our schools. The formation of our young people is oriented to academic and personal accomplishment that will benefit the social order. Each new generation must be prepared to engage the culture of our time in a way that brings human skills and the vision of faith so needed by our society.

I take the opportunity in this Catholic Schools Week to thank the parents who sacrifice to make this education possible for their children. So too, the donors to Catholic education who care for all our children must be thanked.

Does this vision and record of excellence appeal to you as a parent or grandparent? Contact your local Catholic school today for a conversation, a visit and to answer any questions about how your children could benefit.

 Come join us in this sharing of faith and building of community: Catholic Schools.