Catholic Education: Integral to the Mission of the Church
During his pastoral visit to the United States in April 2008, Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI met with Catholic educators, including Dr. Michael Fedewa, Superintendent for Catholic Education and Formation, who represented the Diocese of Raleigh. Our Holy Father spoke these words: “Education is integral to the mission of the Church to proclaim the Good News. First and foremost every Catholic educational institution is a place to encounter the living God who in Jesus Christ reveals His transforming love and truth.”
At the celebration of Baptism for children, parents are reminded that they are the first and primary teachers of their children in the ways of faith. This is a privileged vocation. Rightfully, parents seek support in carrying out this awesome responsibility and, thus, they turn to their parishes and faith communities. Here, parents are supported as Catholic education and faith formation are made available on many levels and in various ways. We owe deep gratitude to our parents for the example and witness of their lives and to all who support them through a deep commitment to Catholic education and faith formation.
This particular moment in the life of our Diocese, as Cathedral School and Cardinal Gibbons High School celebrate 100 years of providing Catholic Education, allows us the opportunity to focus specifically on the gift and role of our Catholic schools. What is unique about them? Catholic schools are not merely institutions which offer a program of academic excellence. They provide the opportunity for students to pray together, to speak the name of Jesus, to see in their midst the crucifix and other religious signs reminding them of God’s presence, to hear the Good News proclaimed, to learn the teachings of the holy Catholic Church, to acquire a deep love and reverence for the Sacred Liturgy, and to participate in Christian service--on a daily basis. Catholic schools strive to help students see all of their studies through the eyes of faith and grow in their conviction that Jesus Christ is the source of all Truth.
On the occasion of this 100th anniversary of providing Catholic education in the Diocese of Raleigh, we extend sincere congratulations to all those associated with Cathedral School and Cardinal Gibbons High School both today and throughout the years; we express profound thanks to all the priests, religious, Catholic administrators and educators, and all the lay faithful who have devoted themselves to this great ministry. Our gratitude is also offered to the parents who allow our Catholic schools to assist them in the education and formation of their children. We thank you for your many sacrifices. Furthermore, we are indebted to our pastors and all those in our parishes who give of their resources to demonstrate a strong support for Catholic education.
Young people often ask me, “What is the best thing about being a bishop?” I usually respond by speaking of my great joy in visiting our Catholic schools. I am deeply inspired by the strong Catholic identity which permeates the building. I am edified by the great commitment of our Catholic educators. I am energized by seeing the great ease with which our young people speak of their love for Jesus Christ and their desire to learn more about Him. I am in awe of the countless ways in which love for God is reflected in Christian service. Our children and young people truly love their Catholic schools and recognize what a precious gift they are to them and to the entire Diocese. I certainly agree! Thus, I renew my ongoing commitment to our Catholic schools and my pledge to make them available to as many students as possible.
As Our Holy Father stated, “Education is integral to the mission of the Church.” May all those involved in this great ministry be renewed in their work. Please also join me in praying that our Catholic schools will continue to flourish and be places where our students “encounter the living God who in Jesus Christ reveals His transforming love and truth.”
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge