Catholic Schools Week should celebrate traditions of faith

January 22, 2004

Dear Friends in Christ,

In the 28th Chapter of Matthew, Jesus tells us, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age. (19-20)

In Catholic Schools we take time during Catholic Schools week to celebrate the gifts that we are given in carrying out this commission of our Lord. Catholic Schools continue to form our young people in the disciples of all nations. Students are taught to see and understand the needs of others. Catholic school students are given the opportunity to use their gifts and talents to give themselves is service to others. As a part of our Catholic School communities, young Catholics begin their commitment to act on their call to serve others in so many ways.

It is not buildings, art or student work on the walls that make our schools Catholic. It is the way in which we see students interacting with others and growing in their lives spiritually. We come together as a community to worship, pray and to support each other in our journeys of faith. In our schools students, parents, teachers, pastors and parish mutually share and receive the gifts of our faith.

We are blessed with the committed faithful who have built our schools, the sisters, priests and lay people who have taught and continue to teach our children, and the families who see the opportunities that they can give to their children in Catholic schools. These people are the faithful past and present that has sustained and enriched our commitment to Christ's calling to go out to all nations.

The children who come to our schools to learn and grow in their faith will be assured a faith-filled future. As parents, teachers, pastors and parishes, we work together to teach our students what Jesus has given to us and to insure that their God will be present in their lives forever. It is in this hope that each of them will find a way to share their talents and gifts.

During Catholic Schools Week 2004, let us rejoice in the celebration of our traditions of faith and service, be thankful for the faithful leadership of the past and the hopeful of our faith-filled future.

Yours in Christ,
Kevin B. Vickery
Superintendent of Schools