This week is our national celebration of Catholic Schools Week. It is a special time during which we reflect and celebrate the great gift and enduring mission that Catholic education offers to the children and families entrusted to our care.
In addition to providing a superior education, Catholic schools also provide a safe and disciplined environment that teaches our children and young people the human values that are essential to help them mature into upright, productive citizens of our society. More importantly, Catholic education allows our students the loving opportunity to encounter the person of Jesus Christ and to grow in their relationship with Him. On every level, Catholic education is a transformative experience that empowers our students to realize the breath of their human gifts and talents, open their hearts to the enduring values of human life and lead them to a faith-filled spiritual awakening through the power of prayer, study and service.
We are all aware of the financial challenges that some of our Catholic schools are facing. These challenges are opportunities for everyone in leadership to seek creative, innovative ways to move our schools forward to greater service of our students and their families. Here in the Diocese of Bridgeport, our local strategic planning processes have yielded some innovative solutions to these problems which I am announcing through a series of parent meetings throughout the balance of this week. These changes are designed to achieve one imperative: to best serve the children and young people entrusted to our care, allowing them the opportunity to share in the gift of Catholic education for years to come.
I realize that change is never easy. Allow me to express my personal thanks to everyone who has participated in these planning process over the last 18 months. However, I remain confident and encouraged that the changes to be announced, which will be posted on our diocesan website, will help position our schools to enjoy growth and innovation.
