Christ-centered foundation, academic excellence of schools

Jan. 25, 2007

Dear Friends in Christ:

"Catholic Schools: The Good News in Education". The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2007 is a particularly fitting message for our times, underscoring the Christ-centered foundation and academic excellence of Catholic Schools. The good news is that families have the choice to select an educational setting that is equally committed to the formation of each child's faith and intellectual development.

As we begin Catholic Schools Week 2007, we will hear the Gospel of Luke proclaim the story of how the people of Nazareth were angry about the work Jesus was doing everywhere but at home. They ask Jesus, "Why are we not the focus of your work and miracles?" Jesus responds, "The good news is that God calls all people into relationship not just those around us and those who are like us. God is calling all people, men, women and children, into relationship with him."

Catholic schools are all about building those relationships in Christ Jesus. Our teachers and families are doing it everyday as part of their work. Students in our schools learn how to build their lives on relationships that are forged in Jesus Christ. In a world that is filled with materialism and consumerism, it is important for students to enter into the world selflessly so that they will enhance our world. The mission of Catholic schools is to teach students to seek socially and morally responsible solutions to the challenges that they will encounter in their lives. This is "The Good News in Education"!

As partners in Catholic schools, teachers, pastors, parents, parishioners and many others are continually shaping the lives of young people. We are committed to each other and to the Great Commission in the Gospel of Matthew:

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, . . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (Mt 28:19-20)

Jesus warns us that the work may not always be easy and while there will be those who don't believe, we are to be firm in our commitment to His mission.

The Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Sioux City are a great gift to us. We have Catholic Schools for only one reason: to promote and teach our Catholic faith. This is done in every theology and religion class, in each Mass and prayer service celebrated for our students, in the Sacrament of Confession and in the way our teachers teach each subject. All is done in an environment of Catholic values and dedication to the mission of Jesus.

This year many more students will be able to share in the benefits of Catholic education because of the Iowa Educational Opportunities Act of 2006. Our own diocese has established the Monsignor Lafferty Tuition Foundation to provide tuition grants for students in our schools. Families who need tuition assistance may apply to the Monsignor Lafferty Tuition Foundation for help. We are grateful to our legislators who have made this possible.

As a product of Catholic school education, I often reflect on the sacrifices my parents made to have all of their ten children attend Catholic grade and high schools. I thank in a particular way all parents who sacrifice for the sake of sending their children to Catholic schools. I also thank all our benefactors who know the value of Catholic Schools and support their efforts.

As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2007, let us all continue to share and spread the Good News of Jesus through our relationship with our community and the world. May each of our students, teachers, administrators, parents, pastors and many benefactors be blessed to hear one day this final acclamation, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come, share your master's joy." (Mt 25:23)

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City