THE RECORD FEBRUARY 3, 2022 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WWW.THERECORDNEWSPAPER.ORG 5 MARY BETH BOWLING
A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
When I started school as a first-grader, it was my first time away from my mother. I did not attend preschool or kindergarten. I attended the Catholic school in my neighborhood and when my mom took me to school open- ing day, I grabbed the pole outside the school door and held on for dear life. I was not going to let go because leaving my mom, my sister and brother for the first time was scary. All I knew was I was leaving my family and the anxiety and sadness I felt were very real. Eventually, with the help of a teacher, I was peeled away from the pole and started my "first day" of school. In the days that fol- lowed, I quickly found I had another "family," a faith family, who I could trust starting at a very young age. Supported by both re- ligious and lay teachers, I learned to read, I learned my prayers and I FINALLY learned my multiplication facts (thanks to Sister Wil- liam). I grew, not only in my knowledge of my Catholic faith, but I learned how to put my faith into action. I can distinctly remember the many teachers along the way who knew what I needed, when I needed it and how to continue to provide me with resources and support throughout my 1-12 Catholic education. I remember the way in which they modeled Christ. It is that intentionality to serve students as Christ would that continues to un- derpin the work of our schools today. Especially during COVID-19, Catholic Schools have been places of comfort, healing and support in the midst of challenging circum- stances. "Whatever it takes" continues to be the mantra of our teachers, staff and school leaders. Our students ben- efit when they are invited to live a life that puts God and others first when they see it modeled daily. This declaration you see proudly displayed in almost every Catholic school throughout the country states the fol- lowing: "Let it be known to all who enter here That Christ is the reason for the school, The unseen but ever-present Teacher in its classes; The model for its children; The inspiration for its staff." During a recent homily on the feast of the Holy Family, I was struck by the message my pastor shared with the congregation. I believe it also pertains to Catholic Schools. He spoke about the trials and tribulations of the Holy Family, Mary, Joseph and Jesus. He said that we do not look up to them because they were the "perfect" fam- ily, but because they endured hardships from the very be- ginning and modeled for us that families are not perfect but with God's help, we can find our way. Being a parent, student, teacher or adminis- trator in a Catholic school is not "easy," nor are we perfect. We struggle at times and despite our best efforts, need additional help and support to weather life. It takes a village, and our villages are the Catholic communities in which we worship and go to school. Think back to the last time you met someone new at work, through a mutual friend, at a picnic or ball game. Inevitably the con- versation gets around to school and the question is asked, "Where did you go to school?" How would you answer that question now? Those who are products of Catholic schools wouldn't think twice. It would most likely include the Catholic high school or even grade school you attended. Why? It is the sense of belong- ing and community that has compelled many of you to choose Catholic school for your own children. To that, I say THANK YOU and more importantly, spread the word and let other families know they are invited to be part of this wonderful faith community.
MESSAGE FROM THE ARCHBISHOP
Celebrating
Catholic Schools Week
To be true to Jesus' mission of love, Catholic schools must be intentional about cultivating a culture of community. How is Jesus' love lived out in your school community?
Trinity is a Catholic , college-preparatory high school, forming men of faith and men of character. This is Trinity's mission statement, and it can be seen in and around the Louisville community. But Trinity is so much more than that. Trinity is a brotherhood - everyone cares and looks out for one another. This brotherhood is displayed in the classroom, at athletic events and even after graduation. It is rooted in something that unites us all: Love. This same Love is what motivates us to become the best version of ourselves, as we work to follow God's calling at Trinity High School. - Mason Molinari, Trinity High School, junior l: nior
al all on- to n is
One of the things that I love about Our Lady of Lourdes that makes it mean so much to me is how we care about each other. When one of our students or classmates need help, we help. When someone is in distress, we comfort them. When something happens that we cannot control, we pray. Everyone here is loving and kind and that makes our school and our community strong. - Ursula Austin, Our Lady of Lourdes School, sixth-grader U O L s Less than two thousand years ago
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Jesus said to love your enemies. But at my school, that is not true. At my school, there are no enemies. I would love to be specific. I would like to tell you exactly what I love about this school, exactly what radiates so much of Jesus' love and so much of his warmth. But this school, this community, this parish, all of it, from the teachers, to the students, to the priest, and even to the building itself. All of these people, places and things are overflowing with love, not just one. - Robin Bilodeau, St. Raphael the Archangel School, eighth-grader st, and All d Throughout my eight years here, Holy Trinity has embraced me with its loving and diverse community, unique traditions and positive environment. Though I admit the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging, Holy Trinity is doing an excellent job of keeping us safe and unified. We continue to enrich our community through Student Council, Youth Group, Big Buddies and more. We are privileged to have the Clifton Campus, which allows Holy Trinity to provide education to students who have learning differences. These are just some examples of what Holy Trinity has done to make sure students feel Jesus' Love in our community. - Eleanor Orrillo, Holy Trinity School, eighth-grader n Jesus' mission of love is shown
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n our St. Francis of Assisi School in a multitude of ways. The students are incredibly mindful and caring to people who may be struggling. Everyone is understanding and grateful for how fortunate we are. Students go above and beyond service requirements because we truly love and care about the people of our community and our world. Jesus tells us to love our neighbors as they are, no matter our differences and struggles. We also have the kindest students ever. We are like a family. We are always supporting and caring for each other. - Iris Apple, Saint Francis of Assisi School, eighth-grader our d hav Sacred Heart Model School demonstrates Jesus' love year-round. For instance, each grade has a stewardship focus that teaches us how, as Catholics, we need to serve others. The eighth-grade focus is the Community Project, where students make a product to help a cause or solve a problem in the community. In addition, the whole school participates in Catholic Schools Week with activities like the Change Challenge and Our Sisters Are SOUPer. Each day of the week focuses on an Ursuline Core Value: Community, Leadership, Reverence, and Service. SHMS incorporates Jesus' love every day, creating faithful leaders in its students. - Lily Kempf, Sacred Heart Model School, eighth-grader For a C o Ser in its L Jesus's love? Jesus's love lives through Saint Paul School everyday. I would like to start off with my teachers. They spread Jesus's love everyday. How? They don't just care about your grades, or if you get A's or B's. They actually care about you and whether you're doing okay. I feel Jesus's love when my teachers are teaching or just talking to me like a friend. I really really do love my teachers and how they act around all of their students. They are definitely still my teachers and everything but I consider them my friends! - Lily Denton, Saint Paul School, eighth-grader act t
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Happy Catholic Schools Week! As I write this letter, I want to extend my deep gratitude to our school leaders, teachers and staff. These last few weeks have been very challenging as our schools weather yet another COVID-19 surge. I also appreciate the patience and forbearance of our parents who must adjust to changing protocols as we seek to keep our schools safe and open for in-person learning. Each year, the wonderful staff in our Office of Catholic Schools establishes a theme for the year. This year our superintendent invited all educators to "Be- Intentional, Be-Invitational, Be-Inspirational," as they were called to live their vocation as Catholic school leaders and teachers, to proactively engage with every student, even and probably especially, those who present challenges, and to gently and humbly share the Good News of Jesus Christ. I want to reflect on the context of communio in which these "be-attitudes" are practiced and in which we find one of our greatest strengths as Catholic schools. Our schools are "schools of love" in which our students learn and experience a reality bigger than themselves. They are called daily, through prayer, service and learning, to focus on the person of Jesus and the call of the Gospel to see others with eyes of Jesus. They are encouraged to channel God's love for them into acts of service, compassion and love for others. In 2001, St. John Paul II stated that fostering a spirituality of communion was one of the great challenges facing the Church in the new millennium ("Novo Millennio Ineunte," 43). Today, Pope Francis calls schools to a culture of encounter, in which our schools "... form hearts convinced of the mission for which they were created, with the certainty that life grows and matures to the extent that we give it for the life of others" ("Letter to Latin American Jesuit Schools," June 2021). Sadly, we can see the need for the fruits of communion - the common good and solidarity - in our fractured and often polarized world. Our schools, however, provide a shining light for families, for the Church and for the broader community through their intentional, invitational and inspirational call to students to be persons for others in whatever way they live out their vocation. I am very proud of our Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Louisville and have cherished the opportunities I had to visit schools, meet educators and participate in this great ministry of our Church. As we celebrate this Catholic Schools Week, please know of my deep respect and appreciation for all who make Catholic education so great - our families, students, teachers, staff, pastors, school leaders, religious communities, alumni and donors. God love all of you! Sincerely yours in our Lord, Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Archbishop of Louisville
As Mercy students, we are encouraged by teachers and staff to treat everyone with respect and kindness and are constantly given opportunities to live out Jesus' love. By working on service projects as a school, passing out kindness cards in the hall, and attending church services as a community, we live out our faith. Mercy Academy creates a wonderful environment where its students can truly flourish and grow through Jesus' love. I am so thankful I have this opportunity to be a Mercy girl! - Kyndall Wintergerst-Weston, Mercy Academy, freshman demy, John Paul II Academy follows in Jesus's footsteps every second of every day. We live out His love for us in all that we do and we want others to know that too. Every year John Paul II Academy participates in many activities that show our love for God and others. We have an annual food drive, where people in the school community can donate canned goods for others who need it more. John Paul II also participates in a blanket drive, where students can donate blankets to those in need. Every Wednesday we gather as a school in our beautiful church and participate in Liturgy to learn more about God and our faith. We also gather in church to celebrate Step By Step. Step By Step is a program run by Aunt Sally and Uncle Chuck. John Paul loves and respects God, we learn and grow through God's help, and most of all, we do it as a loving community. - Lucy Roach, John Paul II Academy, eighth-grader h-grader
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