National Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. Now entering its 49th anniversary year, it is an opportunity for us to recognize the importance of Catholic education and formation and to celebrate our school that has instructed and formed our children for over 100 years. Our school has enjoyed a strong reputation as an outstanding Catholic elementary school ever since it opened in 1916. It was originally founded to ensure that the Catholic children in this area would receive both an excellent education and a strong foundation in their Catholic faith during a time when Catholics were a minority in the area. It has the same mission today and it is just as important now as it was more than 100 years ago. Our children excel academically and are also instilled with the Catholic teachings of love of God and neighbor. They learn about honesty and respect for everyone, caring for the needs of others, forgiving and being forgiven. In a world where objective, universal truth is often being substituted by individual preference and facts aren’t as important as feelings, our children learn the universal truths that God has revealed to us so clearly through his son Jesus. And, throughout the year, they are given many opportunities to live this way of love, caring for others, especially those in greater need. For example, our children and their families reach out to the students at our sister parish, St. Martin de Porres with such activities as school supply drives and our annual Christmas Adopt-a-Family program. They also have opportunities throughout the year to provide donations of food and cash for various food cupboards in Philadelphia.
I visit our school often and it is always a pleasure because everyone there – students, teachers and staff – consistently lives the Christian life joyfully. Our older students take care of our younger students and our teachers demonstrate a real love and concern for all of their students.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our new principal, Mrs. Adria Crowley, for her outstanding, professional leadership; she has stepped into her role with enthusiasm and many new and wonderful ideas. I also want to thank our Home and School Board that continues to find new and exciting ways to build the school community. Additionally, I am very grateful to our dedicated Board of Limited Jurisdiction, now in its fourth year of assisting our school in such important areas as marketing, enrollment and development. Last year, our BLJ raised $242,000 for the school. This financial support is so important for the ongoing vitality of our school. Although tuition payments cover most school expenses, the parish contributes as well; it has provided an average of 12% of the school operating costs, totaling over $2.5 million over the past decade. Everyone in the parish who contributes to our Sunday collections contributes to the operation of the school so, in the name of our students, I thank you!
Yes, our school is a beacon of light, truth and love in a world where there is so much darkness, deceit and hatred. Our students and staff live their faith with conviction and joy as they learn about all of the wonders of God’s world where our children will soon be clear signs of God’s love in their daily adult lives. I thank you for your support of our school; what a joy it is for all of us!