Catholic Schools Week

Why is there a Catholic Schools Week? Is it a narcissistic attempt to elicit praise and tout our successes? Is it an effort to elevate Catholic schools to heights above other systems of education? If these are the reasons to advocate a celebration of Catholic Schools Week, I would be the first to advocate not celebrating this special week. Rather, I believe that Catholic Schools Week is a reminder to the Catholic school community to always focus on our mission, a mission expressed very well in the theme for 2009: “Catholic Schools Celebrate Service.” To me, one of the hallmarks of the Catholic school is the creation of a learning environment in which relationships are based on love, mutual respect and Gospel values. In this nurturing environment, faculty and students are propelled into service of those in need. Thus, I think that Catholic Schools Week is an opportunity to celebrate the life and love that we share. Yet, far from turning us to only look at ourselves, it challenges us to always be looking for ways to follow the Way, the Truth and the Life in proclaiming Good News and transforming the world!