Forging Lifelong Friendships

“A good school provides a rounded education for the whole person,

and a good Catholic school, over and above this,

should help all of its students become saints.”

Pope Benedict XVI

Over the summer, my husband and I traveled to Minnesota for his 50^th (public) high school reunion. Of the approximately 50 attendees, a third of the group, including my husband, had matriculated from the local Catholic elementary school -- St. Joseph’s. I watched the dynamics as old friends connected once again, and I was struck by the energy emanating from the St. Joe’s group. Even after half a century, their bond was unmistakable, and they seemed to be the foundation around which the rest of the crowd gravitated.

Regrettably, I am not the product of Catholic education, but I have been a teacher and an administrator in parochial schools for 35 years. What I have witnessed, and what many of you have experienced first-hand, is truly remarkable. There is, without a doubt, a unique connection among Catholic school graduates, as well as a sense of pride, because their common experiences set them apart. The friendships they form in elementary school will last a lifetime, and no matter how many years pass, they are family and their bond can never be broken.

This week, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, a time set aside for recognizing not only the impact of Catholic education in our communities but also the long-term effect that Catholic education has on its students. Catholic school students truly Know, Love, and Serve God, and it is embedded in the very fiber of their being. Prayer, service, and loyalty become innate and natural. While some may stray or fall away from their faith for a while, a foundation has been entrenched, never to be lost.

Catholic school students Strive for Excellence and work to the best of their ability. They know that God has blessed them with a multitude of gifts, and they are taught to use those gifts to serve themselves and others. Finally, Catholic school students Lead Others by Example. They learn from their mistakes, accept responsibility, and grow into role models.



Today, we gathered as a school family to kick off a week of festivities. I thank our teachers and staff for preparing a memorable and meaningful experience for our students; our PTG board and parents, who have responded to our requests for assistance; and to our larger community (grandparents, parishioners, alumni parents, and friends of SMS), who continually support us through prayer, ensuring that our Mission will be realized all For the Greater Glory of God. Rest assured -- our future is bright and our Church is in good hands. Our students will make sure of that!

Deo Gratias, Kathy