Christ's light is focus of Catholic education

Dear Friends in Christ:

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt
in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and
great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,. . ."

The prophet Isaiah tells us that the world would be waiting to be brought out of the darkness and to see a great light. He foretells of the coming of the Messiah, who would be called "Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace." As we begin our celebration of Catholic Schools Week 2008, we focus on the importance of the Light shining brightly in our daily lives. Isaiah implores us to look for the light that will save the world. As Catholics we believe that Jesus Christ is the light and that, He has come and is the central focus of our mission of the church and of Catholic Education.

However, if we only looked for the light and followed the light, we would still have only partially realized the importance of lighting the way. Our Catholic Schools are like the lighthouses of old that were safe havens to guide and protect travelers. Our schools have provided an environment for over 150 years where Catholic families could bring their children to grow in their Catholic faith. These lighthouses, our schools, allowed many men and women to share their faith; as parents, teachers and administrators to unite in the igniting new lanterns of faith to be carried into the world by our students.

We are inspired by the many ways in which we see the work of Jesus carried out in our schools. The commitment to prayer and communal support, to the outreach to missions both near and far is the hallmark of what makes our schools distinctively Catholic in their missions. There is no end to the reach of the Light of Christ that shines throughout the world from the graduates and students of our Catholic schools. May each student emulate the Light of Christ in all that they do for others.

As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2008, this week's Gospel lesson reminds us to be open to seeing Christ our Savior and listening to his call to serve, just as Peter and Andrew were called to be His followers. He calls us by name to let our light shine among men and women to illuminate the world from its ignorance about the Light, Jesus. May each of the students, teachers, administrators, pastors and parents in our Catholic schools know the beauty of Christ's Light through the instrument of our Catholic schools.

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City 

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