In the wake of the NCEA
This week, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia hosted the annual convention of the National Catholic Education Association. I was delighted to celebrate Mass for the members of the Convention, as well as to welcome them to the City of Brotherly Love.
It was highly appropriate that the NCEA Convention met in Philadelphia, for our Archdiocese has a tremendous history in which Catholic schools play such a significant role. Beginning with the zealous efforts of Saint John Neumann, for over a century and a half, pastors have embraced the value of educating our children in an atmosphere in which every subject is taught in the light of Faith.
During the NCEA Convention, our students radiantly demonstrated the impact of Catholic education in their lives. In the musical concert, by their presence at the liturgies and their assistance in the various aspects of the Convention, the products of our Catholic schools prove at every moment that our efforts and sacrifices are bearing fruit. My own enthusiasm in the wake of the NCEA inspires me to take the opportunity to remind everyone of the treasure which we have in the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Some statistical information
Currently, in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, there are 212 parish elementary schools in which 73,122 students are enrolled. Through these schools, children receive an outstanding education, not only through the texts and technology which are available, but, most particularly, through the example and conviction of dedicated religious and lay teachers. Under the guidance of pastors, our teachers are committed to working with parents, who are the first teachers in the ways of faith (Rite of Baptism). Our parish elementary schools possess a joyful, welcoming atmosphere where children not only learn, but are trained to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are proud of our 21 Archdiocesan high schools in which 22,726 students are enrolled. Our Catholic high schools also integrate the Gospel in every aspect of curriculum. Offering a diverse and competitive secondary education, along with athletics, the arts, and service to the community placed in the perspective of the personal relationship of each student with Jesus Christ, Catholic high schools prepare young men and women for higher education, as well as for lives of Christian leadership and service.
Of special note is the Community Service Corps, which is a wonderful activity in Catholic high schools. The Community Service Corps enables students to develop an acute sense of their involvement in the local community, particularly with those who are disadvantaged. Some Catholic high schools offer tutoring to elementary school students, particularly in inner city neighborhoods. Others assist persons with disabilities or special needs, such as those at the Don Guanella School. Such examples demonstrate that students involved in the Community Service Corps learn to reach out in charity and in leadership to the larger community.
For many years, special education has held a significant place in the commitment of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to Catholic education of children with special needs. Our 5 special education schools educate and nurture 340 children. The dedication and love of those who work in Catholic special education schools help children to know that they are loved and cared for in an environment rich in the love of Jesus.
Mention must also be made of Mercy Vocational School, the only Catholic vocational school in the country. Here young men and women learn skills and trades, in a Catholic setting, which will provide a future for these young people. In addition, the Archdiocese is very proud of the work of the Saint Gabriel System, which provides education and treatment for youths in the Juvenile Justice System. This program aids in rehabilitation of these youths while offering them a hope-filled future.
In addition to the Archdiocesan schools, there are 13 private Catholic elementary schools and 15 private Catholic high schools. Catholic higher education also has a long tradition in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. There are 11 universities and colleges which identify themselves as Catholic located in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Heroic sacrifices
From the earliest days of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Saint John Neumann and his priests knew that Catholic schools would have a lasting impact on the Church in Philadelphia, and, indeed, throughout the United States. Well-educated Catholics would have a positive influence on the emerging character of the then still relatively new nation. Their vision was correct. The generations of Catholic men and women, affected, formed and influenced by the Catholic education which they received have built up this great nation, assumed leadership in every sphere, and continue to bear the Gospel of Jesus to the home, the neighborhood and the marketplace.
Furthermore, vibrant Catholic schools remain significant contributors to the well-being of neighborhoods. A strong Catholic school provides a haven of hope and safety, particularly in economically challenged neighborhoods. Parents — even parents who are not Catholic — make great efforts to send their children to Catholic schools.
In remarks offered to leadership of Catholic elementary, secondary and religious education, Pope John Paul II praised the financial sacrifices made by parents in order to provide their children with a Catholic education: “The heroic sacrifices of generations of Catholic parents in building up and supporting parochial and diocesan schools must never be forgotten. Rising costs may call for new approaches, new forms of partnership and sharing, new uses of financial resources. But I am sure that all concerned will face the challenge of Catholic schools with courage and dedication, and not doubt the value of the sacrifices to be made.”
The words of our Holy Father are particularly true as we recall that those who choose a Catholic education are, in a sense, “doubly taxed.” Not only do they make the sacrifices to provide their children with a Catholic education, they still pay taxes which go toward the support of local public schools. We remain hopeful that efforts toward tuition vouchers and tax credits will bring just and equitable relief and assistance to those who chose a Catholic education.
In the spirit and insight of Saint John Neumann, we can take great pride in our Catholic schools. History demonstrates how well Catholic schools have formed young men and women in living the Christian life. As we look to the present and future situation of Catholic schools, we know that we have an enduring gift, one that will continue to have a Christ-like impact on society, one child at a time.