Happy Catholic Schools Week! Since 1974, when the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) proclaimed a time to celebrate the importance of Catholic Schools in our nation, St. Michael’s School has dedicated the week following the last Sunday in January to CELEBRATE the good works and ministry of Catholic education.
Yesterday, our students participated in Masses at St. Michael’s Church serving as lectors, musicians, and gift bearers. Their poise, reverence, and confidence in carrying out their roles were exceptional. Our classrooms were open to current and prospective parents to see the amazing work in which our students are engaged, and our student leadership team, along with Parent Ambassadors provided tours throughout the campus. PTG hosted a wonderful welcome breakfast in the Gym, and the Parish Center was transformed into a Book Fair.
This morning, Fr. David blessed and knocked on the “Holy Doors,” which were created by Mr. Patterson and our Art Club students, and declared that all who enter should lead a life of holiness. Inside, our students learned about this Holy Year of Hope (see slide show here). Since most of us will not be able to participate in a pilgrimage to the Holy Land during the Jubilee Year, our two Student Council moderators planned a “Pilgrimage” at SMS. Students partnered up with their buddy classes and “traveled” to various holy sites throughout the world, learning about each location and participating in related activities (see slide show here).
Traditionally, parents’ primary reason for choosing Catholic education for their children was the hope that they would deepen their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. While that is still the case for many today, it is our academic program, safety, and absence of progressive policies that seems to be the biggest draw in recent years. However, I proffer that because we focus on prayer, faith, service, and high moral values, the ability for us to set a high bar, with rigorous standards in a safe environment is much more of a possibility. Today’s events were a strong reminder. Students were genuinely excited when Fr. David pounded on the “Holy Doors” for all to enter, and they were mesmerized learning about this Holy Year of Hope. Finally, the best representation of our culture is watching our older students partner up with younger classmates, where they practice compassion, kindness, and collaboration.
My entire educational career, more than 35 years, has been in Catholic Schools, and I am grateful to be part of an institution that has done so much to inform and guide our nation’s children. I am also extremely proud of our staff, students, and families for their commitment to fulfilling not only our Mission, but Christ’s Mission on Earth.
In Faith, Kathy