Catholic schools are Gift to the Church

January 26, 2006

Dear Friends in Christ:

As a Catholic community we have the responsibility to share our faith with each other and most importantly with our young people. One of the extraordinary manifestations of this responsibility is the presence of the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Sioux City. Each school in the diocese allows parents to select for their children the opportunity to grow spiritually with compassion, character and values. These three virtues are the focus of the Catholic Schools Week 2006.

Catholic schools provide excellent opportunities for a child to learn and grow in knowledge and faith. Students and graduates of Catholic schools are shining examples of service to others in their community. Our schools continue to impact change in our society, giving students faith and skills that make a difference.

Catholic Schools are beacons of light that shine in a time when character and values are not always the obvious paths to choose as a young person. As the parents, teachers, pastors and others in the Catholic community, we must model for our young people the importance of realizing that our decisions in our professions and our daily lives are firmly grounded in sound values and demonstrate good personal character. Our principals, teachers and others involved in Catholic education model Catholic values for our young people and help prepare them to make a difference in the world.

Each year we take time in Catholic Schools Week to celebrate the positive impact that Catholic Schools have in our diocese and in society. As the new Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, I look forward to providing guidance and strength to the mission of our schools. The investments we make today in the strong moral and faith development of our children will insure that the mission of Jesus Christ will be witnessed by many in the everyday actions of our students and graduates.

With a foundation of compassion, character and values, our Catholic schools are a "Gift to the Church and a Gift to the nation." (Pope John Paul II) I am so grateful to the parents, teachers, pastors, principals and parishioners who sacrifice so much for the continuing value of Catholic education. May God continue to bless our efforts.

Your brother in Christ,
Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless Bishop of Sioux City