This year’s theme for Catholic Schools Week is Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service.
The theme encompasses several concepts that are at the heart of Catholic education. Schools are not only communities themselves; they are also part of larger communities of home, church, city and nation. Faith, knowledge and service are integral components of a Catholic education and the measures by which any Catholic school can and should be judged.
On the website of the National Catholic Education Association , the following “Top Ten Ways for Parents to Observe Catholic Schools Week” are suggested:
• 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.
• Write a thank-you note to that special teacher from your own Catholic school days who had a significant impact on your life.
• 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.