Catholic School Appeal 2023

My dear friends in Christ,

Why is support for Catholic schools part of the mission of every Catholic, not just that of parents with children in our schools? After all, this is not the late- 19th century or early-20th century America, a time when Catholic children of immigrant families faced many obstacles when entering public schools. 

A simple sign hangs in every Catholic school: “Christ is the reason for this school.” Let us not be fooled. To practice and pass on an authentic Catholic faith in the classroom is becoming increasingly necessary in our society. We are called to be instruments of evangelization in society by being witnesses to the love of God.

We often hear that many community and business leaders in Central Massachusetts are products of Catholic schools. Their alma maters did not boast the fanciest buildings, or the most expansive after-school programs, or even the flexibility to express one’s individuality in daily attire. What they did offer and continue to offer to this day, is attention to the individual student, sound academic and social formation and, most importantly, being formed in the Catholic faith (or in Catholic values for those of other faiths) in order to learn what true success in life really means beyond how to make money. 

Each year we remind ourselves that religion is not just one topic among others in Catholic schools. The relevance of our faith can be discussed in the context of every single topic taught in our classrooms, including science, math, history, literature and languages. Faith is also a guiding force in after-school programs, sports and the arts. The Catholic school student learns that to live the good life is to live a life filled with meaning, which is not the same as living a life focused on self-indulgence or self-importance.

We recognize how difficult it is for many parents to pay tuition while often paying taxes that support public schools, but they know they are investing in their child’s future, both temporal and eternal. For many families, especially new immigrant families, increased access to financial aid is the only way they can consider a Catholic school. It takes everyone sharing in solidarity with our Catholic school families. 

What more can you do? Talk to family and friends about the value of the Catholic school option in our communities. Support their decision to choose a Catholic school. And, never forget the power of prayer to support the work of our teachers, administrators and staff who are dedicated to the ministry of Catholic school education, a ministry which makes tangible the love of Jesus in the life of each student they encounter.

Thank you for considering prayerfully how support of Catholic schools, in whatever way you can, will help today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders in both society and the Church.

With every prayerful best wish, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Robert J. McManus
Bishop of Worcester