National Catholic Schools Week
Each year, I look forward to celebrating National Catholic Schools Week. As a diocese, we recognize the value of Catholic education and support our families and schools in educating our young people so they can reach their full potential. We acknowledge the vital role of parishes, pastors, administrators, school faculty, staff and volunteers in this effort. Moreover, we celebrate our students as they learn about their faith and the skills they need in the 21st century.
The theme of our celebration is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” The theme encompasses the core products and values that can be found in Catholic schools across the country. Not only are we teaching students to become future servant leaders, faith-filled disciples and enriched citizens in our communities, educators are growing with them. In Catholic schools, we are all learners, servants and leaders. These shared qualities are what make Catholic schools work. They are what make Catholic schools succeed.
As a diocese, we have much to celebrate from our accomplishments during the first semester of school. We recognized St. Wendel Catholic School for their Student Grade-Level Retreats and Resurrection Catholic School for their Middle School House System. Both schools were recipients of the 2017 Catholic Educators Innovative Award in August. Athletically, our students have earned four IHSAA state championships (Reitz Memorial – Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer, Football) (Mater Dei – Girls Soccer) and all teams competed well this fall. Academically, two senior students from Reitz Memorial High School were awarded two of the three Lilly Scholarships in Vanderburgh County. St. Wendel Catholic School earned the highest ISTEP score in the state for students in grades 3-8 passing both English and math. Most importantly, all 26 Catholic schools have focused on the Diocesan theme of being Called to Serve. Our students, faculty, staff, and families have generously given their time and talent this semester to live out their faith and help those who are in need.
Contact your local Catholic school and experience the planned events to celebrate National Catholic Schools Week. It is a great opportunity for all of us to see what our students are accomplishing and thank the pastors, administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers who give so much of themselves to educate our children. Our Catholic schools are part of our future as a church and a nation. May God bless them and all who contribute to the important work they do on behalf of the children of our parishes.
