Dear Friends in Christ,
As Catholic Schools Week approaches, I wanted to write to express my gratitude to the many school administrators, teachers, staff members, and young people who make our communities vibrant places where the love of Jesus Christ can be learned and can flourish in the lives and hearts of young people. I am particularly grateful to the many supporters of Catholic Schools – both benefactors and parents, who labor tirelessly to give children the opportunity to encounter Christ on a daily basis.
When my parents first came to the United States, my mother impressed upon us the importance of working hard, praying hard and studying hard. She had been a Catholic school teacher in India, but she realized the many opportunities that would be opened for us boys through Catholic education. My father was particularly interested in the Catholic identity of the schools, and he would never allow the mentality “private school with religion class” to enter into our minds. He wanted his boys to practice their faith. Good parenting and the solid foundation of a Catholic education allowed three doctors, a magistrate and a bishop to emerge from one family. What a difference a Catholic education can make!!!
As a result, I have always championed Catholic schools. Thus far, in my visits to parishes and schools, I have been delighted by the graciousness and hospitality of our communities. The children are filled with joy and enthusiasm. Quite often, they sing with gusto at the liturgies and demonstrate how beautiful the liturgy can be when celebrated well. In visiting the classrooms, I have seen Catholic imagery displayed everywhere, and the children themselves are inquisitive and creative. In the classroom, they are disciplined and respectful.
It is obvious that a lot of hard work has been put into forming the whole person – not just the minds and bodies of students, but the spiritual and religious sense within our young people. This past year, a new course of study for religion was promulgated and is being implemented in our Catholic Schools. Importantly, it incorporates Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body into the curriculum, emphasizing a true understanding of the human person, made in God’s image and likeness, and the idea of making a gift of oneself.
As our Diocese prepares for the future and as we begin to implement the recommendations of Real Presence Real Future, we also need to remember to celebrate successes. Our Catholic Schools tell our success stories, especially in lifting many out of poverty and providing quality, faith-filled educational opportunities for our youngsters. Some people will say that we Catholics don’t do much for our young people, but those same people forget how present Christ is to our young people. In Catholic Schools, friendships and bonds that last a lifetime are formed. Catholic Schools remain one of our best vehicles for evangelizing members of our community, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.
To all who make this possible, you have my heartfelt thanks! May God bless our Catholic School communities during Catholic Schools Week and throughout this new year!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Bishop Earl K. Fernandes