Junior High
Catholic Schools Week: January 28 to February 3, 2007
Theme: Catholic Schools: The Good News in Education
From time to time God calls people to be his messenger. They are prophets. They are to remind people of God’s love, goodness, and care. Sometimes prophets are reluctant to do this, but proclaiming the good news is essential. The idea of being called by God to speak his message to the people has been expressed in literature, art, music, television series, and movie films. For instance, the movie Oh, God appeared in movie theaters in 1977. It is now available in video and DVD formats. The Motion Picture Association of America rates the film PG. The movie is funny and in good taste. It speculates what. might happen if God appears on earth to an ordinary grocery store manager. He wants the grocery manager to be his spokesperson to the world, telling them that we have everything on Earth to make us happy but we need to be nicer to one another. The recent Golden Globe award-winning TV program Joan of Arcadia (now available in DVD format) is another modern, everyday life example of what happens when God speaks to an ordinary person, in this case an ordinary high school student, and expects that person to make a world of difference.
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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 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. During his time on earth, Jesus loved and served the people of his time. 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
Catholic Schools in the Era of a New Century
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 understands 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 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?
The short answer is everywhere. We share the good news of the academic and religious achievements of Catholic education. 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.
Make Your Own Good News Movie (PDF)
