Catholic Schools Week: Forming next generation of Christ’s disciples

The Most Reverend Larry J. Kulick, JCL
Bishop of Greensburg

I am always amazed when I preview the Catholic Schools Week edition of The Catholic Accent before it goes to print. Each year, I thoroughly enjoy reading the stories of the exemplary accomplishments made by each of the 12 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Greensburg. I am grateful for the vision of our Superintendent, Dr. Nancy Rottler, and her staff in the Office of Catholic Schools, as well as the administrators, teachers and staff.  Their ongoing commitment, dedication and sacrifice are unmatched, and it shows in our students.
I must also point out that these accomplishments in the past year would not have happened without the support of parents, grandparents and guardians. The support and generosity of our clergy, parishes and each parishioner are a critical way we are able to help fund Catholic education in the Diocese of Greensburg. Together, so many have sacrificed in numerous ways to assure that our young people receive a magnificent Catholic education. Many families have made the choice to give a priceless gift that invests in not only futures, careers and families, but, most importantly, eternal salvation. That is the real purpose of a Catholic education.

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Greensburg place an important emphasis on forming Christ’s disciples. Through curriculum, faith formation and community service, our schools work hand in hand with parents to form a new generation of leaders for our families, for our communities, for our nation and for our world. We are forming disciples of Christ who are holy and serve as His examples in thought, word and deed.

During my pastoral or school visits in our Diocese, I am often asked about our increases in enrollment over the past few years. Perhaps a significant reason is that parents and guardians are finding that through the St. John Paul II Tuition Opportunity Partnership (TOP) Program, Catholic education is within their financial reach despite the varied demographic and socio-economic conditions in many places across the four-county region. I am grateful for the generosity of our donors who continue to make this wonderful opportunity possible.

I also think that our increasing enrollment is telling us something else. In a world where right seems to be wrong and wrong seems to be right, Catholic schools in our Diocese offer formation that sets us apart from the world and places a very different priority among our students than other educational environments today. Contrary to our culture today, we believe that sacrifice, hard work, discipline and faith are effective. It is a recipe for success which our Catholic schools have found and continue to perpetuate.
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, I ask you to join me in keeping our students, their families and our teachers, administrators and staff in your prayers. Also, please pray that we continue to have tremendous success as we form the next generation of Christ’s disciples.