Dear Parishioners,
This week throughout the Diocese, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Here at St. Patrick, we are extremely blessed to have a parish Catholic school. As you may know, some Catholic schools have closed over the years.
We are having an OPEN HOUSE for St. Patrick School this Sunday, January 25th, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Catholic schools are so different from when I attended St. Ignatius of Loyola School in Hicksville (as did my mother and my grandmother!). Our Fine Arts/Drama program is outstanding, and our computer technology is second to none. Stop by and check us out!
Our St. Patrick School gives a fine academic education, but with the added element of spiritual development. The students go to Mass at least once a week (either by class or with the entire school), and religion is part of their study. More importantly, the children “breathe in” Christ-centered values.
Our recent Popes have spoken about Catholic education:
Saint Pope John Paul II said:
“In a cultural climate in which moral norms are often thought to be matters of personal preference, Catholic schools have a crucial role to play in leading the younger generation to realize that freedom consists above all in being able to respond to the demands of the truth.”
“Catholic education is above all a question of communicating Christ, of helping to form Christ in the lives of others.”
Pope Benedict XVI said:
“Education is integral to the mission of the Church to proclaim the Good News. First and foremost, every Catholic educational institution is a place to encounter the living God who in Jesus Christ reveals his transforming love and truth.”
Pope Francis said:
“Catholic education is also evangelization: bearing witness to the joy of the Gospel and its power to renew our communities and provide hope and strength in facing wisely the challenges of the present time.”
Pope Leo said:
“Education is not merely the transmission of content but an apprenticeship in virtue. It forms citizens capable of serving and believers capable of bearing witness — men and women who are freer, not more isolated.”
I realize that a Catholic school education costs money, and taxes are high. However, I believe it is worth it. Education is more than just math, science, and technology. Education should focus on the development of the whole person.
I believe St. Patrick School centers on that development of the whole person: mind, body, and soul. Prayerfully consider giving your child or grandchild the gift of a Catholic school education.
Remember: Together, we can do something beautiful for God.
Fr. Brian