Beginning in late August and continuing into September, I enjoy the opportunity to visit some of our many Catholic schools here in Rhode Island. In most cases, the schools hold an opening Mass or “Mass of the Holy Spirit.” While I also visit schools at other times of the year, these weeks are special as there is a palpable excitement and anticipation at the outset of the school year. The school year stretches ahead full of possibility.
I recently prayed with two school communities that are celebrating major milestones. Saint Raphael Academy (“Saint Ray’s”) celebrates 100 years in Pawtucket. Growing from a single building to a multi-building campus, Saint Ray’s has exercised transformative power in the lives of young people. It was good to meet alumni at the anniversary Mass and hear about their life long friendships and many accomplishments. For so many Saint Ray’s grads, this school has been a lifeline and a launching point for a meaningful and full life. This past Sunday, we welcomed the St. Mary Academy - Bay View community to the Cathedral for a Mass commemorating 150 years. I loved hearing the beautiful singing by the student choir with their characteristic joyful enthusiasm. Bay View has been a place where young women strengthen and shape one another in faith and friendship. Their legacy of Mercy education is alive and well and their science labs are beyond compare. I learned firsthand about the leadership skills of the students as one of them negotiated a “dress down” day from the bishop for the choir members.
Last year, I wrote about the important qualities of our Catholic Schools. Proud of our academic excellence and sporting accomplishments, our true gift is that of faith. In our schools, we grow the “whole” person, shaping their morality and spirituality as much as their GPA. We prepare students for life and for eternal life in an environment that encourages and challenges. We partner with parents and families and parish communities in this great work of raising a new generation to the light.
I might also mention that many of our fine priests are alumni of Rhode Island’s Catholic schools. In this regard, Bishop Hendricken is a standout with 28 serving priests whose vocations were given life among the enthusiastic students of this great school.
The formation of the young is a sacred duty and Catholic Schools are essential to this mission and the life of the Church. I hope all of us find some way to participate in the work and I have some ideas about how you might help.
We need your prayers. I invite us to pray every day for the well-being of the young people in our Catholic Schools and across the state.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer time for a local school or at your alma mater.
The Catholic Foundation of Rhode Island is a major provider of scholarships to Catholic School students and to the schools themselves. The Foundation is always ready to assist Catholics to support a variety of ministries with gifts or bequests. You can also give direct support to any of the schools.
I would also like to ask you to help me get the word out about our amazing schools. Partners in Mission is the nation’s largest consultancy firm for Catholic education. They have done extensive studies concerning what motivates parents to entrust their children to Catholic schools. Their studies tell us that most parents make the decision by the time their child is 3-4 years of age. The same studies also indicate the strong influence of grandparents on this decision. So if you are a new grandparent, start influencing!
If you are a parent, I invite you to visit some of our schools this year. See the joy of the students and the grace of God at work. I can tell you from experience that you will come away with a renewed hope in humanity and the firm desire to be a part of Catholic education.
May the Lord send His Holy Angels to guard our young people from every evil. May He grant them wisdom and see them grow in faith. May He ever surround them with those who love and cherish them, now and always…Amen.
