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Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord:
Next week is the start of Catholic Schools week. This
is an opportunity for us to celebrate the gift of Catholic education
and the ability for all Catholic people to be what God has called us to
be: evangelists of the Word and other Christs in the midst of the
world. Catholic schools exist to assist, aid and supplement what is
already (or should be) done in every Catholic home by parents to foster
and instill the values and truths of the Faith. Here are some other ways
that the National Catholic Educational Assoc. (NCEA) suggests that
parents might observe Catholic Schools Week:
Catholic Schools Week is not just for kids.
Here are 10 ways for parents to participate in the annual celebration of
Catholic education:
· Write a note of
appreciation to your children’s teachers. Thank them for the attention
and energy they give your children every day, as well as for their
dedication to Catholic education.
· Write a letter to your
parish priest, thanking him for supporting the Catholic school that is
preparing your children for a bright future.
· Write a letter to your
representatives in the U.S. Congress and state legislature to let them
know why Catholic education is important to you and your community. Send
a copy of your letter to your school principal.
· While you’re at it, write a
thank-you note to that special teacher from your own Catholic school
days who had a significant impact on your life.
· Donate books or other
learning materials to the school library. (St. Kieran School Library has
a list of needed books on the parish Bulletin Board in our church
vestibule.)
· Set aside time for family
prayer for all those who contribute to the success of your children’s
school, including students, teachers, staff and volunteers. Add a prayer
for vocations to continue the Catholic education tradition in your
community and throughout the country.
· Volunteer to help plan and
carry out Catholic Schools Week activities. Whether you are able to
contribute a little time or a lot, your effort helps make the week
special for all.
· If, through your work or
volunteer activities, you learn of a need in the community that students
at your children’s school can help fill, recommend a Catholic Schools
Week or ongoing service project. Better yet, volunteer to organize it.
· Join in the fun! Gather the
entire family—from younger siblings to grandparents—and participate in
the week’s events at your children’s school.
· Extend a special invitation
to your school’s open house and other Catholic Schools Week events to
friends and neighbors who might want to learn more about the value of
Catholic education.
The theme of Catholic Schools week is:
LIGHT THE WAY.
Let us pray that the sharing and living of our faith
will light the way for our children.
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