It’s hard to believe that the new school year is starting already. The beautiful summer we’ve had has gone by so fast, and once again our Catholic schools are filling with the energy, excitement and promise of a new year. What an amazing gift our children have with parents that believe in the moral and ethical character of their children and what Catholic schools can offer their families.
This school year doesn’t bring a lot of changes, but there is certainly no shortage of encouragement and love for the Lord. In mid-August, the principals of our Catholic schools gathered to worship Christ in the Eucharist, bond over the joy of leading our schools, and give thanks for the privilege of serving our students and families.
We welcomed two new principals to our diocesan schools – Matthew Goodness at Our Lady of the Lake in Ashland, and Ana Turino at Holy Rosary in Medford. Our gathering did encompass some legal training and review of new laws established to continue to keep our children safe. One of the exciting trainings was on the new Order of Christian Initiation for those school families who wish to have their children baptized or formally entered into the Catholic Church.
What a blessing it was to have Fr. Isaiah Schick offer his expertise and guidance on the topic. We can’t wait to begin working with families who wish to bring their children to the fullness of the Catholic faith.
In our reflections on the past years and dreams for the new school year, our principals acknowledge and truly appreciate the gift of support from all of our parishes. Our Catholic schools could not exist without the prayers, volunteers and monetary support of the parishes throughout the diocese. Support of the Catholic Services Appeal provides funding for the Office of Catholic Schools, providing management services such as hiring, ensuring accreditation and much more.
Also, soon the schools will receive their checks from the Catholic Schools Week collection. Almost $86,000 was raised by our parishes to support our Catholic schools. That is a phenomenal blessing to our parochial schools, who rely so heavily on our parishes.
We hope and pray that prayers, volunteers, and financial support continue well into the future, for our schools do make a difference in the lives of the children and families who attend. We teach and proclaim the faith to help build a moral and ethical character in all of our students.
As we begin another school year, may God bless our students, teachers, principals, staff and families. And may he continue to bless the parishes and faithful who make Catholic education possible. Together, we can ensure our schools continue on into the future and that our young people are prepared for success and to go out into the world as faithful disciples of Christ.
Peggy Schoenfuss is the superintendent of schools, Diocese of Superior.
Peggy Schoenfuss
Superintendent of Schools
