This coming week is the national celebration of Catholic Schools Week. As a product of Catholic schools, including the great Saint Rose of Lima, I am a big supporter of the blessing that a Catholic education provides. The ability to have a child formed not just academically but also spiritually in the Catholic Faith is a matchless opportunity that only exists in a Catholic school setting. Pope Francis reminds us that, “Catholic schools, which always strive to join their work of education with the explicit proclamation of the Gospel, are a most valuable resource for the evangelization of culture.” In the light of a contemporary culture that is often at odds with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Catholic education provides an environment where a child’s faith is able to be developed along with his or her intellect. Because of this, we are spurred on to re-examine and recommit ourselves to the fundamental purpose of Catholic education: forming disciples of Jesus Christ who recognize the responsibility to live in this world so as to realize their eternal destiny in heaven.
Having already to pay very high taxes that support public education, the additional cost of Catholic Education can be daunting to a family. Yet many families value the formation of the minds and hearts of their children according to the Gospel to willingly take on the extra financial sacrifice. We have a great administration and dedicated teachers and coaches that engage the children every day on all levels. We also have a great staff of employees and volunteers that do a wonderful job to make Catholic Education at Saint Rose of Lima as affordable as possible. Through cost control, fundraising, and tuition assistance, we strive to offer an affordable experience of superior academic and spiritual formation. If you have thought about Catholic Education for your child at some point, but feel that the burden is too great, I ask you to contact me and see if we can work together to offer this wonderful gift for your children.
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, I ask that you reflect on the unique value of Catholic Educa-tion. Preserving the opportunity for children, while in school, to deepen their relationship with God through regular prayer and worship and helping them to acquire an appreciation and reverence for the Liturgy, is a task for all of us.
God bless you,
Father Joseph Byerley
All Rights Reserved | St. Rose of Lima