How do Catholic schools help create a faith-filled future?

January 22, 2004

"My children attend the Bishop Garrigan school system. I recognize the sacrifice my parents and their generation made in providing me with that same opportunity, and their contribution to assuring that my children's generation could also benefit from an excellent education system that also embraces their Catholic faith. I feel lucky that my children can be educated in an environment that supports their religion and offers them principles that can strengthen every aspect of their life. I hope that my children are also able to value the foundation an education in a Catholic school system brings to their lives, as it has to mine."

Mary Hilbert of Bode, parent from Seton Grade School, Algona

"Catholic Schools provide a faith-filled future by providing opportunities for the reception of the sacraments and the opportunity to develop a relationship with God on a daily basis through prayer. Our Catholic school provides opportunities for charitable giving and service to others. Our academic expectations help to prepare our students to go out into the world and serve in their chosen fields of work, bringing the message of Christ to everyone with whom they come in contact."

Doris M. Riesselman, parent and teacher from Sacred Heart School, Boone

"While in school, the students have the presence of God in their life everyday through prayers, in their classrooms, receiving sacraments, attending church and doing community service. Our students have respect and pride for themselves as well as others. Through this they gain a faith-filled lifestyle that will continue as they mature and grow."

Statement by Parent Club, Kuemper High School, Carroll

"I have attended Catholic Schools from kindergarten at Immaculate Conception through college at Briar Cliff. My husband attended Danbury Catholic from 1st grade through 8th grade. We are both firm believers in Catholic Schools and feel priviledged that our children are able to attend Danbury Catholic School. We know that our kidsare already in the practice of praying to God, Mary, and their favorite saint, St. Anthony. Our girls have learned to believe in themselves and they have the confidence to achieve whaever goals they set for themselves. We styrongly believe they will grow up and raise their own chioldren to be strong Catholics. When children receive a Catholic education and actively participate in Catholic practices, they are building a strong foundation in their Catholic faith."

Matt and Amy Seuntjens, parents from Danbury Catholic, Danbury

"Catholic schools promote a faith-filled future by instilling both Christian and educational values in studetnts' lives. The attributes of prayer, community service, making good choices, and strong academic values are fostering greater faith in our children that will last them a lifetime."

Marty & Colleen Marten, parents from St. Rose of Lima School, Denison

"Catholic Schools promote a faith-filled future by faith in action through prayer and the daily reinforcement of the need of God's presence in our lives. It is this daily enactment present in Catholic Schools that leads to the continuation of faith in our children's futures."

LuAnn Kelly, parent from Our Lady of Good Counsel, Fonda

"Our Catholic schools give our children the beginning or starting point for everything they will do throughout their lives. It gives them the background for our beliefs and it reinforces our beliefs. And I believe that 'the beginning' is the most important part of 'the future.' A strong foundation will provide for a strong and stable future."

Jolynn Lewis, parent from St. Mary's Grade and High School, Remsen

"Christian values are vital in every aspect of your life. Catholic Schools promote caring and committed leadership, teachers, and coaches. Students benefit from these values their entire lives."

Lisa Tritz, parent from Holy Family/Sacred Heart Schools, Sioux City

"Our Catholic schools promotes a faith-filled future for our children, of course, through masses, daily prayer (including special intentions), but mainly through an all around inclusive environment of love and support based on God. Students are surrounded with faith messages in all aspects of their day and subsequently feel free to seek God's help and to share their gifts - time, talent and treasure - without repercussions that the secular world creates. Our Catholic schools are not a "Utopia," but our students grow, perhaps not understand all of God's love yet, but somehow knowing God is there them, for them and in them.

Gina Grimsle, Heelan parent group

"We promote a faith-filled future by teaching our children the values that are essential to being a good Christian. The children at Sacred Heart are not only taught the academics, but are shown how to treat one another with respect and kindness at a young age. They learn how God wants all of us to be in his likeness by instilling the values that will stay with them the rest of their lives."

Kara Van Stralen, parent from Sacred Heart School, Spencer

"Catholic schools promote a faith-filled future by providing the opportunity for faith experiences throughout a normal school day. Students are encouraged to think beyond themselves and to be of service to others. This is done through weekly Mass participation, religion classes, community projects and the many opportunities for prayer during the day."

Terry Foell, parent from St. Mary's School, Storm Lake