January, 2010
From the Superintendent:
As you may have already heard, our annual observance of Catholic Schools Week begins this Sunday, January 31. Many students look forward to the CSW each year because it includes enjoyable events and special treats. But it’s also a time for us to celebrate the enduring value of Catholic education and focus on the gift that it provides to America’s young people. During Catholic Schools Week, we reach out to the entire community to build awareness of what our schools offer. And we thank those who work hard every day to make our schools excellent: students, families, faculties, staffs, volunteers, community supporters, and local and national leaders.
One of the most important roles of families is preparing young people for fulfilling lives of love and service to their families, their communities and the Lord. That is why the 2010 Catholic Schools Week theme is particularly fitting. “Catholic Schools: Dividends for Life” underscores the long-standing tradition of Catholic education to instill in students the faith, knowledge, morals and discipline that will enable them to fulfill their future roles in life. All of these principles are of utmost importance in building a life worthy to be a follower of Christ. However, if one had to choose the bedrock on which the others find their support, one would probably choose faith. According to St. Augustine, “Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe.” Now, more than ever, a Catholic education is truly an investment in the future that is worth the consideration of every family.
Our 3,000 students in the thirteen schools of the Diocese of Victoria will be joining millions of students, parents, supporters and school families around the nation to celebrate this 35-year tradition established by our National Catholic Educational Association. Our diocesan schools have planned special Masses, fun activities, themed days, family luncheons, service projects, and so much more to tell our communities about the incredible dividends that a Catholic education provides.
Join me in saying “thank you” to our teachers, staffs, administrators, board members, volunteers, parents, and everyone else involved in Catholic education. Through their dedication and commitment, they make our Diocese of Victoria an example of how Catholic schools provide “dividends for life.”
If you know of any youngsters who have not yet enrolled in one of our diocesan schools, but would like to, please contact your local Catholic school and find out how they can receive a “F.I.R.S.T.-class education … for life!”
“Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.” –G.K. Chesterton