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Catholic Schools Week: January 28 to February 3, 2007
Theme: Catholic Schools: The Good News in EducationThe good news about Catholic Schools Week begins with a note of congratulations. The U.S. Congress recently thanked Catholic educators for the high academic achievements of Catholic schools and their contributions to the academic and religious development of millions of students. Congress also paid tribute to students of Catholic schools for their dedicated to their faith, values, and families.
But this note of congratulations is only a small part of the good news. Catholic schools represent one of the largest schools 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—to love and serve one another. 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.
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.Where and How Do We Spread the Good News?
We share the good news of the academic and religious achievements of Catholic education in many ways. First of foremost, we share it in our words and deeds. We share it in our everyday relationships with one another. We share it by the values we live by at home, at school, in our neighborhood, in sports, and with new and old friends. We share the good news through our hospitality and conversation as we meet new friends. Most of all, we share the good news of Catholic education with hearts of joy. We simply realize and appreciate the tremendous accomplishments of Catholic education.Two disciples were on their way to Emmaus (see Luke 24:28-32). They are deep in conversation. Jesus had been brutally put to death. Rumors are flying. There is hysteria and wishful thinking. A stranger meets them as they walk along. The disciples thought they knew the stranger but did not recognize him. The stranger is Jesus. He is the last person the disciples expect to see. Jesus talks about his death and resurrection in the light of the Scriptures. The disciples invite Jesus to stay with them. As they share the evening meal. Jesus takes bread and gives thanks to God, breaks it and shares it with the disciples. It is through this familiar gesture that the disciples recognize Jesus. Jesus disappears but there is no doubt that Jesus is alive. The two disciples realize that they meet Jesus in Scripture and in the Eucharist. This is how we meet Jesus in the Eucharist—in the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
