Communities of faith, knowledge and service

January 23, 2015
Maureen Huntington

Each year graduates from our Catholic schools return to their alma mater to reconnect with the teachers, principals and the friends they left behind after graduation. It is a joy for teachers to see these former students and bask in their successes and accomplishments. Alums and their teachers remember the bond they shared during those formative years together. A Catholic school community is a family – young people and adults working together toward a common goal. The goal of forming lifelong Catholics and lifelong learners is the mission of a Catholic School.

The day-to-day experience of a Catholic school student is one where the personal dedication of teachers and administrators is a lived reality. This daily modeling by adults powerfully exemplifies the reason the Catholic Church locally and nationwide expends so many of its resources to educate our children in our faith. Students and adults learn what it means to be a person of faith through their interactions, observations, and language. What we say, do, text, and write, does count. Schools, especially Catholic schools, are places where children and teens learn how to interact, connect, collaborate, cooperate, and compete in appropriate and healthy ways. In the classroom, on the athletic field, on the stage, or just hanging around school, children observe how adults interact, solve problems, make mistakes, and enjoy time together. Catholic schools are teaching and learning environments that immerse students in an atmosphere steeped in Jesus Christ.

The benefits we received from our Catholic school education continue to enrich our lives every day. During Catholic Schools Week, take some time to reflect on the many challenges and blessings that lay before each of our Catholic schools and how you might be able to assist in solving them. Your prayers for our teachers, principals, pastors, and students will enable us to move forward into the next decade, providing quality Catholic elementary and high school education for our Bay Area families.

Huntington is superintendent of the archdiocesan Department of Catholic Schools.