Schools are communities of love and mutual support

Sisters and brothers,

In less than two weeks, students will be back in South Jersey Catholic Schools for the first time in nearly six months. It will not quite be business as usual, but it will be a joy to have them interacting with classmates and teachers again — a return to the faith-filled, academically rigorous experience families expect from our Catholic schools.

Since the 2019-20 school year ended in June, our school principals have worked tirelessly with the Office of Catholic Schools to prepare for the coming year. Under the leadership of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bill Watson, they have created detailed plans covering a multitude of contingencies to ensure a safe return — including a virtual learning option for families who are not ready to return to classrooms.  

There is no precedent for the path we are on. Understandably, some families are fearful about starting the new school year. I can assure you we would not be opening if we did not believe we can do it safely or if we thought it was not in our students’ best interest.

Our schools are communities of love and mutual support. Families who embrace Catholic school education understand the tenets of Catholic social teaching that call us to seek together the common good and well-being of all and to be mindful that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. Working toward the common good requires discipline to act in ways that protect our brothers and sisters. Our students learn this discipline from the time they enter our schools as they share their faith, serve others, and develop a keen sense of respect. It is the very nature of our schools that enables us to move forward.

I am confident that our students understand the importance of doing everything they can to keep all members of their school communities safe, which includes wearing masks, maintaining appropriate distance, and adapting to new standards of hygiene and personal protection. They will do this for each other, and for the teachers, staff and school leaders who have accepted God’s calling to the ministry of education.

We count on a strong partnership with our school parents and I thank them for working with us to ensure their children do everything possible to stay safe and healthy.  

Our schools’ plans to open full time are well within the guidelines established by state and local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and our governor. I know the Office of Catholic Schools and our school leaders will continue to operate within those guidelines, while being flexible to accommodate any changes that the schools may face in the future.

My deepest appreciation goes to our Catholic school educators who have been formulating these plans for reopening Catholic Schools and to the families who continue to show their dedication to providing a Catholic school education for their children.

               
Sincerely in Christ,    
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D.
Bishop of Camden