Catholic Schools Week falls this year during the build up to the Super Bowl.
In at least one way, that is appropriate, for Catholic schools bring together a winning team of children, parents, teachers, pastors and administrators dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people.
In this week of celebration, it is important to recognize how vital Catholic schools are.
Academics who study education – both Catholic and non-Catholic – regularly point out the contributions of Catholic schools. In the 1960s and 1970s, Father Andrew Greeley and sociologist John Coleman described how Catholic schools build communities through the values they nurture. Researcher Helen Marks noted recently that Catholic schools not only offer a moral and spiritual foundation, but that the academic achievements of Catholic school students outpaces those in public schools.
Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, in an article in America Magazine last September, noted, “Catholic school graduates make good citizens, deeply committed to social justice, the care of the poor and the planet, proud volunteers in the church and in community.”
Catholic schools provide academic excellence but, most importantly, they continue to offer a strong faith foundation. In every classroom the Lord is present through prayer, community and the freedom to discuss social justice and moral teachings as essential components to our life in Christ.
In addition to this faith advantage, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Camden are committed to maintaining high academic standards. Our students score consistently higher than national averages in reading, language arts and mathematics. Our high school students exceed national averages in standardized tests and our graduation rates approach 99 percent. More than 93 percent of our high school graduates pursue further education.
We remain committed to Catholic school education in the Diocese of Camden. Among other programs, we provide tuition assistance for needy students. The diocese also assists struggling learners through special education programs at four elementary schools and two high schools.
Still, we are at a critical point. It is well documented how difficult it is for financially-stressed parents to choose Catholic schools. This week, as we pause to praise our Catholic school educators, parents and pastors, I call upon everyone to assist the task of assuring that the treasure of Catholic education continues to be available for future generations.
May God continue to bless you and guide you,
Bishop Joseph A. Galante