Catholic Schools Week 

By Jamie Grigsby

Each day at Saint Ann School begins with the sign of the cross: “In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.”  What a calming and peaceful reminder to let God know that we are giving our day to him, ready for whatever he has in store for us.  Growing up Catholic and attending Catholic schools from kindergarten through 12^th grade, my day always began with prayer.  It cleared my mind, making me stronger and calmer, preparing me to do God’s work. Catholic schools helped mold me into the person I am today.  I loved every minute of my time at Saint Ann School and Father Ryan High School.  My experiences were so strong that I wanted to come back and teach in a Catholic school and send my own children to a Catholic school, educating and growing them in their Catholic faith daily.

The common mission of Catholic schools is to educate the whole student – mind, body and soul – and to pass on the faith to future generations. Catholic schools are so much more within the Church and within the communities they serve. Catholic schools participate in the evangelizing of the gospel within the walls of the schools and beyond.

– Gabrielle Gallagher, National Catholic Education Association (NCEA)

One of my fondest memories of attending Catholic schools was celebrating our Catholic education during Catholic Schools Week.  This year Catholic Schools Week is January 27 - February 2.  The theme for this year is Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.  These words are so powerful!  When you learn and serve, you lead others and succeed in life! We strive to embody these words at Saint Ann.  Students learn daily and serve our parish, school, and community.  Catholic schools lead by example, and our students lead by example.  Our greatest role model, Jesus, always led by example.  Jesus inspires us always to work hard, be dedicated, be determined, and pray!  With these principles, we will certainly succeed because with God, all things are possible!

One of the best and easiest ways to support Catholic schools is to talk about the great work being done. Whether it is the excellent academics, the service work, the faith-formation, talk about it with your friends and neighbors and local businesses.
– Gabrielle Gallagher

Catholic schools are one of the most important ministries of our church.  We must educate children in faith, in a place where they can share that faith daily with their peers.  We must also prepare them for the real world.  Catholic schools do this well, teaching our children to be involved long after graduation.  Statistics show that Catholic school graduates are more civically engaged, more likely to vote, more tolerant of diverse views, and more committed to service as adults.

Catholic schools transform lives and society.  This what we want for our children! This is only possible with your prayers and support.  The impact you make on our lives is immeasurable.  I am forever grateful for the love, compassion, and support you have shown, to me personally, and to all the children who have attended Saint Ann School.  Please continue to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for us and happy Catholic Schools Week!

 

Originally published in the St. Ann 2019 Winter Newsletter