2019-01-18-Catholic Schools Week

PAGE A-2 Catholic Schools Week Supplement JANUARY 18, 2019 What is our belief about parents? “Our Catholic Schools recognize that parents are the primary educators of their children; therefore, effective collaboration and communication with families as partners are essential to the success of our students.”Today’s communication capabilities have helped strengthen this exponentially as parents are able to tap into information at any time to find details regarding their child’s school and their learning performance. What is our belief about administrators and teachers? “Our Catholic Schools depend on the commitment of all administrators, teachers, staff and parents for success in its mission.” I am proud to say that the commitment of our current administrators and faculties to serve our students and their families is stronger than ever. And making use of an expanding pool of professional devel- opment opportunities, they are actively committed to improving techniques to meet their students’ needs. Our final belief statement is this: “Our Catholic Schools have as a fundamental mission, the education of students in the Cath- olic faith and the faith development of students through worship, the Sacraments and prayer.” I believe this is our most important mission as we continue to develop students to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s world. From the preschool years through grade 12, we provide rigorous academics integrated with Catholic values in a disciplined, caring environment. Although our methods are always evolving and programs continue to be added, our mission and goal has remained constant during our long history. I invite you to join me in educating our most precious resource, our children, as we equip them for the challenges of tomorrow. Please pray for all those in our Catholic schools - our administrators, faculties, staffs and students - as they strive to follow Jesus each and every day. Yours in Christ, Gwendolyn P. Byrd Executive Director of Catholic Education /Superintendent of Schools Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord, Catholic schools are exceptional.That is the bottom line.There is a uniqueness about a Catholic school.This distinctiveness springs from the fact that Catholic schools are a ministry of the Church, a response by believers who seek to follow Christ. A Catholic school is more than a place to learn even though Catholic schools offer outstanding education. A Catholic school exists because believers wish to help young people discover their God-given talents so that they can be successful in whatever field of work they eventually wish to pursue. But it more than a place to receive education so that young people are equipped to make a living. It is also, and even more importantly, a place where young people are offered a foundation in faith so that they may enter into a life with God which will last into all of eternity. Catholic schools offer two life-changing messages to the students: First, students are told “you are loved.” Students are taught that there is a God and that God loves them. In addition, Catholic schools strive to form a Christian environment where students are safe.Where students know that they are respected and protected, education can take place much more effectively. Second, students are told “you can achieve.” Failure is not an option. Students are required to learn the material before moving on to the next grade level.They are supported in an atmosphere where each student is challenged and assisted to use the abilities God has given them. Our young people will increasingly live in an economy where a good education is essential in order to achieve.Our young people will also increasingly live in a secular world where a strong foundation in the faith is essential for one’s salvation. A Catholic school offers both. Thank you to all families who enroll their children, often at great sacrifice, in Catholic schools. I pray God blesses you.Thanks to our clergy and religious who support Catholic schools with such dedication.Thanks to Miss Gwen Byrd, Superintendent for Catholic Schools, and to all who serve in the administration, faculty, and staff of our schools. Your love of the students and your efforts make our schools places of excellent education and formation.Thanks to the parishioners throughout the archdiocese who support Catholics schools.Together all of you are supporting our schools where students receive a foundation that will bless them throughout their lives, and I would add, into eternity. Sincerely in the Lord, Most ReverendThomas J. Rodi Archbishop of Mobile Archdiocese of Mobile Office of Catholic Schools 352 Government Street • Mobile, AL 36602 251.438.4611 • FAX: 251.438.4612 mobarchschools.org Gwendolyn P. Byrd Executive Director for Catholic Education, and Superintendent of Schools gbyrd@mobarch.org Karen F. Abreo Associate Superintendent for Academics kabreo @ mobarch.org Virginia N. Koppersmith Associate Superintendent for Student Services gkoppersmith @ mobarch.org Jean C. Dempsey Director of Development for Catholic Schools jdempsey @ mobarch.org M. Hortense Dunn Senior Secretary & Bookkeeper hdunn @ mobarch.org Margie V. Lilly Secretary mlilly @ mobarch.org  Archdiocese of Mobile Schools: Christ the King, Daphne Corpus Christi, Mobile Little Flower, Mobile McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, Mobile Montgomery Catholic Preparatory, Montgomery High School campus Middle School campus Holy Spirit campus St. Bede campus Most Pure Heart of Mary, Mobile Resurrection, Montgomery St. Benedict, Elberta St. Dominic, Mobile St. Ignatius, Mobile St. John Montessori, Enterprise St. Joseph Child Development Center, Holy Trinity St. Joseph, Tuskegee St. Mary, Mobile St. Michael Catholic High School, Fairhope St. Michael Preschool, Auburn St. Patrick, Robertsdale St. Pius X, Mobile St. Vincent de Paul, Mobile  Archdiocese of Mobile facebook.com/Archdiocese of Mobile Office of Catholic Schools twitter.com/MobArchSchools www.mobarchschools.org Mission From page A-1