A TIME TO CELEBRATE

Welcome to Catholic Schools Week 2022! This weeklong celebration is a proud tradition where we step back and recognize the incredible benefits for those who partake in the exceptional, faith-based education offered across the Diocese.

While we are taught to be humble, it is important to remember Jesus’ words about sharing a resource that can be helpful to others without reservation and welcoming all to benefit from it.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Catholic Schools Week provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the talents and successes of our Catholic school communities — but also to invite others to learn more about the incredible resource and opportunity that is Catholic education in the Diocese of Albany.

From the North Country to the Capital District to the Mohawk Valley, our Catholic elementary and high schools provide an unparalleled education that is anchored in our faith with dedicated teachers, high-tech equipment, small class sizes, and so much more. The facts are impressive:

Yes, we have a 99 percent graduation rate. Yes, we have invested more than one million dollars in technology equipment in recent years. Yes, our connections with our parish communities enhance our students’ faith experiences. Yes, our faculty does so much more than teach — always going that extra mile in pursuit of what is best for our students. But, there is more to the story than evidence and statistics.

The curriculum for each grade is not focused solely on intellectual knowledge. Compassion and acceptance of others are universally taught from prekindergarten through graduation. Our schools welcome all children and families, and provide assistance when needed so cost is not a barrier.

Our Catholic schools do an excellent job preparing students for academic success and building a solid foundation upon which students are able to excel in college and careers of their choosing. Yet, our teachers and administrators follow a higher purpose by helping children grow into well-educated, well-rounded individuals with a strong moral compass.

Catholic school students learn how to be good citizens, and more importantly how to be ethical and compassionate leaders. Our Catholic faith and the examples set by Jesus are reflected in every lesson, in every class, and in every after-school activity. Our educators embrace every opportunity to help students build their confidence and strengthen the roots of their character so they are grounded while reaching for the stars.

Caring for one’s neighbor and daily practice of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” are hallmarks of our Catholic faith. Our “school family” was able to safely conduct fully in-person instruction immediately last year because of who we are deep down inside. Our small class sizes allowed teachers to provide safe distancing between desks, and the personal attention provided every day helped keep lines of communication open at all times, not just during a pandemic.

Over the last year, we saw an increase in the number of students enrolling in Catholic schools across the Diocese, and we welcomed those students and shared our success with them as we guide them on their educational journey. It is never too late to consider joining our family.

During this week of celebration, I invite our friends and those we have not yet met to schedule a visit at a nearby Catholic school. Our buildings, as well as the hearts of our students, teachers and principals, are open to welcome more students as we move forward.

And as you consider the benefits of a Catholic education, please follow our schools on social media. You will be glad you did at a time when we could all benefit from a reason to smile. All of our elementary and high schools have social media accounts on the various platforms where you can follow their programs and events.

In closing, I want to sincerely thank all of our teachers, administrators and staff for their ongoing commitment to provide a welcoming, caring and faith-filled environment, while challenging students to achieve more than they thought they could. I thank the parents, grandparents and caregivers of our students for working with us as a team to support your children — our most precious resource. And I thank all those who have gone before us as educators, administrators, alumni and supporters. We are proud to continue the tradition of providing an education unparalleled in the region. We celebrate Catholic Schools Week with all of you.

Giovanni Virgiglio is the diocesan chancellor and superintendent of schools.

RELATED STORIES:

COMMUNITY FOR ALL: All Saints Catholic Academy principal provides ‘a community for all’: https://evangelist.org/Content/Default/Homepage-Rotator/Article/-A-COMMUNITY-FOR-ALL/-3/141/29561

EXTRA MILE: St. Peter’s teacher goes above and beyond for her students https://evangelist.org/Content/Default/Homepage-Rotator/Article/THE-EXTRA-MILE/-3/141/29562

CATHOLIC CENTRAL SCHOOL: Updates on the merger between Catholic Central High School in Troy and St. Ambrose School in Latham: https://evangelist.org/Content/More-top-stories/More-top-stories/Article/AN-EXCITING-TIME/3/138/29563

BORN TO TEACH: Noreen Harris at St. Mary’s-St. Alphonsus School brings her love for teaching to work each day: https://evangelist.org/Content/Default/Features/Article/BORN-TO-TEACH/-3/136/29564

CSW22: What is Catholic Schools Week?: https://evangelist.org/Content/More-top-stories/More-top-stories/Article/CATHOLIC-SCHOOLS-WEEK-2022/3/138/29565