Catholic schools exist to manifest the mission of the Church so clearly articulated by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Of course, Catholic schools were never meant to undertake this awesome task alone.
The concept of a Catholic school arose at a time when it was understood that the school was meant to support the work of teaching and mentoring children into life in the Church already being done in the home and in the parish. Families sought to raise their children within the Church and prioritized their faith, including prayer, worship, participation in the parish, and attention to Catholic values and morality. Children learned about Jesus and grew into relationship with Him at home “early and often.” Parents who sent their children to a Catholic school knew that they were sending the children to a place where they would be loved and inspired by the same love that was shared at home – the love of Christ.
The families of generations ago who sacrificed to send their children to Catholic schools realized what still is true today: that those schools are not a replacement for participation in the life of the Church at home or in the parish. Catholic schools are not a place where parents can “outsource” the teaching of religion to their children because they are uncertain about their own relationship with God or with the Church, or because they are uncertain if they are teaching their children correctly. Rather, parents – like all of us – are called to learn and grow in their faith, and ultimately be active disciples of Jesus.
To that end, all Catholics have a share in the success of Catholic schools. This is so because all Catholics have a share in the Church’s mission of forming disciples. If we are to make disciples, then we must first strive to be disciples ourselves. That takes each of us pursuing a thriving relationship with Jesus at home, in the parish, and throughout our lives, through commitment to a personal, daily life of prayer, participation in the community, and sharing our faith. It leads to a 360-degree view of the formation of a child and the recognition that each of us who gives witness to the faith contributes to leading children to discipleship. Therefore, each of us is responsible for creating the environment in which parents and students alike grow in discipleship – and in which Catholic schools exist and can thrive.
We recognize that each individual and each family is in a unique place in this faith journey. Each of us can support families with children, including those who choose Catholic school, by welcoming them to Mass and other events and seeking out ways to invite them to participate in the life of the parish. Your investment in spreading the Kingdom of God in your parish is an investment in Catholic schools. That investment, in turn, will pay dividends in this life and the next for every child educated in a Catholic school and the communities they will grow up to serve.
Dr. Bill Watson is secretary for Catholic education for the Diocese of Camden.
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