Catholic Schools Week is January 29th to February 4th. Growing up and attending a Catholic school from preschool through high school made this week memorable. It was a week of controlled chaos and a variety of activities. I always appreciated going to a Catholic school, but I never really thought deeply about why. Now that I am in school administration, I want to go back and thank all the faculty and staff that put their heart and soul into my educational opportunities.

The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2023 is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” It is a week to recognize the importance, the value, and the contributions of Catholic education to the Church and the World. Catholic schools live out the mission of the Catholic Church in forming students by striving to teach them how to live well now so they can live well with God for all eternity.

Here at Pius X High School, we get the joy of partnering with parents in helping to form your children. It is a privilege to be able to walk with them as they grow into men and women. Throughout the week we celebrate our students, our teachers, and our parents. Yes, there is some controlled chaos and dress up days. Yet my favorite time is always a Eucharistic Procession around our school with students kneeling in the hallways singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet. It is always a reminder to me of why this all matters.

The habits and relationships I formed in High School planted seeds that survived the difficulties I encountered at a secular college. I stumbled, I strayed at times, but my heart had encountered God in some way and habits I formed in high school kept me pointed in God’s direction. Catholic education matters because when it is done well it reinforces the habits and relationships built in the family. It helps students learn how to live those out in a bigger community.

I hope we all get a little time to ponder the good things God has done in our life. But also, to ponder the struggles and the crosses too. We are formed through it all. And I see that in the lives of our teachers and our students. I am so thankful to be working in a Catholic school. In this Catholic school with your sons and daughters. Thank you for your sacrifice in supporting Catholic education and may we work ardently together in forming the future of the Church.