tvc.dsj.org | January 22, 2019
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
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CATHO LI C SCHO O LS W EEK
Brothers and Sisters of the San Jose Diocese,
Each January we have the opportunity to celebrate
the work and ministry of our Catholic schools. It is
good that we do so through Catholic Schools Week.
The history of Catholic schools in the United States
is a unique one, in that a separate system of educa-
tion was necessary in the face of an anti-Catholic
sentiment and out-right bigotry for a good part
of the history of this great nation. Since then, the
Catholic Church developed a school system, which
excelled in quality education, and which opened its
doors to all, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. This
feat was possible because of the excellent work and
tremendous sacrifi ces of religious women and men. We
thank God for their great witness and for the strong
foundation they provided for countless men and
women in faith, wisdom and knowledge, civic duty,
honor, and service to God and humanity. Thank you,
sisters! Thank you, fathers and brothers!
While the numbers of sisters and brothers in our
schools may have diminished dramatically, the goal
and mission of Catholic education remains steadfast:
to provide an encounter with the person of Jesus
Christ through witness, worship, and learning. We
do not proselytize, that is, we do not attempt to con-
vert anyone who may not be Catholic. We evangelize
through witness, dedication to learning, and wor-
ship. We simply attempt to show the beauty and
truth of our faith and way of life.
One of the challenges of the last two or so decades
is the accessibility of Catholic education. While the
history of Catholic schools shows us a system which
opened its doors to immigrants (Irish, German, and
others) and to the poor, that legacy of Gospel witness
is threatened by the rising costs of education, par-
ticularly in the Bay Area. We must keep our Catholic
schools rooted in Gospel values: otherwise we sim-
ply become charter schools with Catholic trimmings!
We are committed to working at the diocesan level,
in collaboration with our school communities and
parishes, to make our schools accessible to families
in fi nancial need.
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week this year,
let us lift up the families, teachers, administrators,
pastors and parishes that collaborate to make our
schools true witnesses of Jesus’ love and truth.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Patrick McGrath
Bishop Oscar Cantú
Celebrating Catholic Education
By Jennifer Beltramo
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Each January, Catholic schools across the na-
tion come together for a week-long celebration of
Catholic education. This event provides us with
a wonderful opportunity to share the good news
of our ministry. At a time when the 24-hour news
cycle and ever-present social media commentary
are highlighting deep divides and uncertainty in
our world, atholic schools are writing a diff erent
narrative.
Within our schools, educators are touching the
very hearts of those they serve, nurturing com-
E ARE YOUR FUTURE
scientists .
munion with Christ and one another. They foster
hat inspires your child
a love of learning, a deep sense of compassion,
schools develop leaders with
and a commitment Our
to Catholic
service.
They are giving our
a conscience. Visit our schools to discover
how a Catholic education nurtures seeds
of achievem ent in every child we teach.
» Inspiration starts here: www.dsj.org/openhouse
Ou r F o u r Pi l l a r s o f C a t h o l i c Ed u c a t i o n · Faith · Knowledge · Leadership · Community
children the lens not only to navigate the world
but the ability to truly change the ending. In this
way, Catholic schools are at the very heart of the
Church, a critical ministry within our parishes.
This Catholic Schools Week, I invite everyone
to reconnect with their local Catholic school
community – to find inspiration in the energy of
the teachers, the excitement and engagement of
the students, the leadership of the pastors and
principals, the commitment of the parents and all
staff who support this shared ministry. Together,
we are committed to serving the children and
families throughout our Diocese. Together, we
are disciples with hope to bring. This Catholic
Schools Week, w e welcome you to witness the
community and impact of Catholic education.