Christ the Cornerstone

Catholic schools emphasize faith, excellence and service

Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, 2023, has been designated as Catholic Schools Week in dioceses throughout the United States. Parishes and schools in our archdiocese typically observe this week with Masses, assemblies and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. For the past 47 years, Catholic Schools Week, which is typically held the last week in January, has been sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association.

The theme for this year is “Catholic schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” These three pillars are what keep Catholic schools strong, especially in times of adversity like the COVID-19 pandemic that did so much damage to our society. Like churches, businesses and other organizations, schools were hit hard by the pandemic. Most tried to respond as best they could—providing virtual, distance learning opportunities, but the consensus is that student learning suffered during this period.

National statistics show that our Catholic schools weathered the storms caused by the pandemic better than many other school systems because of their unwavering commitment to students and their families. While taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety of students, teachers and staff, our schools stayed open whenever possible, and they continued to emphasize faith, excellence and service as the hallmarks of their mission.

We are right to call attention to the contributions made by Catholic schools to our Church and our society. Here in central and southern Indiana, we have a rich tradition and history of Catholic education. Who could fail to be impressed by, and grateful for, the heritage that is ours? We all owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the women and men—clergy, religious and lay people—who built our schools and who have sustained our commitment to Catholic education for nearly 200 years in spite of many obstacles.

Catholic schools continue the teaching ministry of Jesus. To be faithful to this mission, they must be Christ-centered in witness of word and action. They must also demonstrate the transformative power of prayer by helping students, and the entire school community, not only to learn about Jesus but to encounter him in Word, sacrament and service.

Catholic schools help adults, youths and children in diverse regions of our archdiocese come to a deeper understanding of God’s plan for human life and for all creation. Catholic schools are powerful instruments of evangelization—helping members of the Catholic community and others from many diverse faiths, cultures and economic backgrounds grow intellectually, personally and spiritually as members of the one family of God.

Catholic schools are also vital to the social ministry of the Church—through the assistance they provide to students and families in need, but also in their commitment to teaching social justice and to providing students with opportunities to serve others.

Catholic schools contribute directly to the health and vitality of the Church. Along with parish religious education programs, youth ministry and other means of lifelong faith formation and education, our Catholic schools provide religious education classes, sacramental preparation, liturgical and prayer experiences, and opportunities for Christian witness and service. They help form the faith community, and they challenge us to look beyond our own needs to the urgent needs of individuals, families and society at large.

Considering the powerful effect that Catholic schools have on the lives of individuals, families and local communities, it is understandably painful—even tragic—when one of our schools closes.

Research confirms what most of us know already. When a Catholic school closes, it is usually because of finances. We can help our schools become stronger financially, but only if they are truly growing in their Catholic identity, welcoming new (and increasingly diverse) students, and increasing their capacity for financial management and fundraising, especially through stewardship education and endowment development.

Archdiocesan, parish and school leaders all want our Catholic schools to demonstrate a vibrant, hope-filled spirit that proclaims to the whole world that Christ is alive and active—in our homes, in our parishes and school communities, and in our world. We want every Catholic school in our archdiocese to be a vibrant community of faith that is carrying out the teaching ministry of Jesus in ways that are visible, transformative and service-oriented.

Catholic schools are a great gift, and all of us who benefit from this gift have a serious responsibility to nurture and share this “pearl of great price” with the families and children of today and tomorrow.

Please take a moment to join me next week in praying for the continued success of our Catholic schools. And if you get a chance, say a special word of thanks to the dedicated women and men who make Catholic schools in our archdiocese vibrant centers of faith, excellence and service. †