We begin our annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week. It is such a blessing to be in a parish that has our own Catholic preschool, day care and elementary school. I am very proud of our parish school and of the members of our parish who since our beginning 40 years ago, desired and sacrificed so that we might have our school. Our current school faculty and staff are committed to educating the whole child – spiritually, academically, socially and physically. We welcome all children with our primary goal to develop young Disciples of Christ within our Catholic faith tradition.
We firmly believe our mission as a Catholic school, and this involves our Catholic secondary school as well, is to instill in all our students the lessons that will prepare them not only for academic and career success, but also for success in life. One of the great joys in my week, is to visit the students in the hallways, the classrooms, the lunchroom, and especially to celebrate the Mass with them weekly.
I wish all of the children in our parish were enrolled in our Catholic school, so know that we can make room! There are many reasons why parents decide not to enroll their children in a Catholic school and most of the time it is money. It couldn’t be that public schools are better academically, because year after year the stats on state exams and graduation rates at Catholic schools are much higher.
If money is an issue, which it can be for many, it is true that parents have to sacrifice to get the tuition, and simply put, there are some who can’t afford it. We try our best to help, and we provide tens of thousands of dollars every year in scholarships. Sadly, some parents have plenty of money but still choose a free school. I know of a family that told me they can’t afford our school, but they have a lake house, just returned from a lavish trip to Florida and have a very nice luxury car. Enough said.
The most convincing reason for a parent to sacrifice for the Catholic schooling of their children is because of the values, morals, spiritual foundation, and character building their children could get there – a holistic education focused on body, mind and soul.
Thank you Prince of Peace for supporting our Catholic schools and for providing a home for so many. Let us pray for growth, for protection and for peace within our hearts to share the light of Christ in our world today.