From The Pastor’s Desk

This is National Catholic Schools Week, a week set aside by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to celebrate and recognize all that our Catholic Schools provide. The theme this year is “Catholic Schools: Learn, Serve, Lead, Succeed.” Our schools are an added value for the nation. The purpose of a Catholic School is to integrate Catholic, Christian teachings and values into every aspect of the educational process. Thus, our young people’s education is a journey of faith; it’s not just a standard education, but one of life-long Catholic teachings and values. Service is another important aspect. The many people here at Saint Agnes Cathedral that give of their time to minister to the needs of others are participating in service. During the school day and after hours, our Catholic Schools are teaching different types of service. The Catholic School also provides an excellent academic education to help young people reach their God-given potential and to be responsible citizens. Our Catholic Schools exist to provide an education that goes beyond preparation for a secular life. It is an education that prepares students for a Christian life. Catholic Schools ASSIST parents in the education and religious formation of their sons and daughters.

Our theme this year, encompasses the core products and values that can be found in Catholic schools across our country. We are teaching our students to become future servant leaders, faith-filled disciples and productive citizens in our communities. In Catholic schools we are all learners, servants and leaders. These shared qualities are what make Catholic schools work. They are what make Catholic schools succeed.

Although each school is different, the curriculum seeks to develop the student’s highest potential through a
teaching/learning process that promotes Language Arts, English, Mathematics, Technology, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Foreign Language, and Physical Education. In recent years, the curriculum has also grown to include the development of the thinking skills: research, critical thinking and problem solving, and also analyzing and evaluating–all working together, many times using the latest in technology. Students are also urged to help others by “giving back to the community,” whether it is within parishes or the community in which they live.

In the United States there are 6,352 Catholic elementary and secondary schools, with a student enrollment of 1.8 million. Our Springfield Catholic School System has 1,339 students enrolled; St. Agnes has 225 students, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton has 227 students, Immaculate Conception has 504 students and Springfield Catholic High School has 383 students.

As we celebrate National Catholic Schools Week, I want to thank every parishioner for their prayers and
financial support, which makes it possible for the Springfield Catholic School System to provide a quality, Catholic Education for any Catholic student.

This semester’s focus for the Adult Faith Formation classes will be the history of the
Catholic Church in the U.S.