From the Pastor’s Desk::

This past week we celebrated not only here in Springfield but across our country, 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 was Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Excellence and Service.  Our schools are an added value for our 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 in our parishes that give of their time to minister to the needs of others, they 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.

Within the Catholic School, whether a student is Catholic or non-Catholic, each student is required to participate in the religious education program.  The religious education program presents to the student an authentic statement of the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.  Students are also required to attend prayer services and Mass. Having been a teacher for many years at Notre Dame High School, I would tell parents, “I do not test the faith of your sons/daughters; I test their knowledge of the Catholic Faith!”  Within a Catholic School, education of our faith is important.  I want students to know why we celebrate, how we celebrate and not just give an answer, “we always do it that way!”

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.

As we have celebrated 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 to any Catholic student.