A faith that is well-tended will have deep roots and the ability to find water when thirsty and the ability to stay firmly grounded against the storms of doubt and trial. I wrote a similar thought in my first few years as bishop of this diocese to reflect upon our Catholic Schools.

In honor of our upcoming annual observance of Catholic Schools Week, those words again provide a framework with which to look at our Catholic Schools. It is indeed a privilege that we Catholics have in vast opportunities provided by our Catholic School Education. It is a privilege that enriches the life of not only the student, but the teacher and the parent as well.

We thank God for our Catholic schools for it is through these fine institutions, supported through the sacrifices of many faith-filled followers, that our children receive further examples of holy lives in practice through the witness of those teachers, religious sisters, priests and parents who are committed to Catholic education.

What a gift we have to provide an environment for our children where science and faith can work hand in hand, and not be necessarily opposed to the same reality of truth. Where sports and recreation can be enjoyed alongside the teaching of morality and social responsibility. However, the giftedness of these institutions, and the examples that many of the teachers, religious sisters and priests provide is meant only to supplement, and not replace, the primary responsibility and example to be found in the home. The Catholic school is provided solely as a means to supplement and aid the parents in their role of raising their child in the Catholic faith. This does not mean that the Catholic school is the sole means by which a child learns his or her faith. There are many good and faithful Catholics who never attended a Catholic school, and who learned their faith through the pious and prayerful example of holy parents. There are also many Catholics who did attend Catholic schools, but who are less committed to their faith because they could not find the example at home.

And the fact that the primary responsibility for education of children in the faith is with the parents is not a new concept. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church we are told just how important the role of the parents is and the charge they are given … “to give good example to their children.” And of course parents do this by living a moral life, being faithful to the commandments, attending Mass regularly and living the faith with and through love for God and others.

When parents make the sacrifice and commitment to entrust their children to Catholic schools, they can be confident that the Catholic faith and truth they began at home will continue at school. Our diocesan Catholic schools work together with the support of the people of the diocese and the support of parishes and parents to be a place where truth which is only found in God, works together with science, athletics, math and all other subjects to seek God’s will for us and our purpose of being.

So take time out during Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 27 to Feb. 2, to celebrate and give thanks to all those who work and sustain our Catholic schools … the very institutions which help protect and deepen the precious roots of faith set forth in our families.