Catholic Schools: Character, Compassion, & Values

January 26, 2006

We are so fortunate to see the marvelous reality of Catholic Education every day in our schools - an education that is infused with Gospel Values. To a great extent, the theme of Catholic Schools Week "Character, Compassion, & Values." signifies the very mission of our Catholic schools, one that emphasizes the intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical and social values in our students. Catholic Schools Week celebrates education that goes beyond preparation for a secular life; it is an education that prepares students for a Christian life. It is an affirmation that God dwells in our very being. Faith speaks to our students through their parents, teachers and friends and through the daily events of their lives. The students realize they are created to live out their faith in action and in friendship with God. It is a journey of "Character, Compassion, & Values" through which our students are called to exhibit these attributes to one another - called to go out to the world to bring these values to others.

Our schools do more than teach academics. The schools, our teachers, and administrators teach Gospel values by modeling and living out the Gospel. They prepare our students for a lifetime of service to God and community. Our students exhibit virtues that are visible every day of the year not just for Catholic Schools Week. We see the compassion of our students when they help one another, reaching out to those less fortunate. They are following Christ, witnessing through their character, compassion and values learned. These life-long values learned as students continue as alumni give of their time and talent to the Church, school and community.

Our schools exist because of parish support, the dedication of administration, teachers, staff, parents, volunteers, everyone involved in operation of our schools. They exist because of the sacrifice and contribution of the community of believers who wish to ensure the strong future of Catholic Education.

Thank you to all who support the gift of Catholic education in the Diocese of Sioux City and throughout the nation.

Linda Ebel