Catholic Schools: The Good News in Education
The good news about Catholic Schools Week begins by recalling that the U.S. Congress took the occasion of Catholic Schools Week 2006 to thank Catholic educators for the high academic achievements of Catholic schools and their contributions to the moral, intellectual, and physical development of millions of students. House Resolution 657 noted that Catholics schools are “internationally acclaimed and that they produce students strongly dedicated to their faith, values, and families.”
But that is only a small part of the good news. Catholic schools represent one of the largest school systems in the United Sates. Catholic schools include 233 colleges and universities, with an enrollment of about 750,000 students; 1,378 high schools with an enrollment of 693,000 students; 6,376 elementary schools with an enrollment of 1,846,000 students. All in all, there are 174,000 teachers in Catholic schools and thousands of families who choose Catholic schools for their children.
The history of Catholic schools in the U.S. is even more impressive. It is a history whose very purpose is to teach what Jesus taught. During his time on earth, Jesus loved and served the people of his time. He worked tirelessly to bring the good news of their redemption. This history of Catholic education reveals its ongoing emphasis on the values of the Gospel so that they reach out and serve others with peace and justice. This is why good news by its very nature has missionary zeal. This also explains the dynamic energy of the Catholic Schools Week—spreading the good news of our Catholic schools.
What is the Good News?
The word “Gospel” literally means good news or glad tidings. The four Gospels are the first century writings of four evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. All four Gospels have a special place of preeminence. They are the principal witness of the life and teachings of Jesus. For that reason everyone—including students, teachers, families, and friends—has the privilege to spread the good news of Catholic education.Catholic Schools Today and in the Era of a New Century
In a Catholic school the good news touches every area of the curriculum. In math and science classes, the students discover the goodness and order of God’s creation. In history, students trace the actions of God through time. In literature, music, and art classes, students see expressions of human creativity and God’s love for human beings.A new century brings with it a special time to shape new dreams and new goals. In these dawning years of the 21st century, Catholic schools are touching the future. They help students and their families take their place in the 21st century so they will be able to:
• Produce citizens strongly dedicated to their faith, values, and families.
• Stand up and live the gospel message.
• Understand and respect nature and live their lives as stewards of God’s creation.
• Enrich the social dynamics of a diverse society.
• Embrace and advance the role of technology as a servant of human progress.
• Appreciate the lessons of history and the role models and moral principles we have for making life choices.
• Use language in a constructive way to communicate ideas and to understand the ideas of others.
• Respect the richness of diversity and the value of inclusiveness.
• Grow in faith and prayer in the parish community.
• Work for God’s passion for peace and justice.What Difference Do Catholic Schools Make in Our Lives?
1. What is the significance of the U.S. Congress recognizing the academic and moral achievements of Catholic schools?
2. What do you admire most about the academic and moral achievements of Catholic schools?
3. What are the academic and spiritual benefits of Catholic schools that you admire most?
4. What is the good news of Catholic schools today? Five years from now?
5. What aspects of Catholic Schools Week do you admire most?
6. Closing prayer.
Gracious God,
thank you for the gift
of Catholic education.
Day after day,
week after week,
you give us many opportunities
to know your
great love, peace, and forgiveness.
Help us respond to your Good News
and the good news of Catholic education.
Amen.
Prayer for Catholic Schools WeekLord Jesus, Son of God,
Thank you for the gift of Catholic education.
Day after day, week after week,
you give us many opportunities to grow and learn.
Help us respond to the gift of faith so that we may be recognized as your disciples.
Amen.
