Catholic Schools Week - Continuing the Celebration

• Bishop Edward Rice celebrated Mass on Thursday, Jan. 30th at St. Ferdinand with hundreds of 8th grade students present. He reminded them what makes Catholic schools, as communities of knowledge, faith and service, different from other education options. Our schools instill not only practical knowledge, but also spiritual knowledge, helping each student develop their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and striving to imitate Him in their thoughts, words and actions.

• Catholic schools are communities of faith, where students learn that all the good things in their lives come from our loving God, and also that our sadness and suffering are part of the cross of Christ. Our faith tells us that each and every human life has purpose and meaning and is in the hands of God.

• Our Catholic teaching of service goes beyond simply helping others, with an understanding that when we encounter the poor and lonely, we encounter Christ himself.

As we move beyond our week-long celebration, why not reflect for a few minutes on what you value about Catholic education for your family? Whether you're a parent, teacher, principal, parishioner or member of the community, please take a minute and share your favorite memory, event, value, or comment about your Catholic school - past or present! We hope to use many of these in future newsletters and on the Federation web site.