Catholic education
‘Building a future filled with hope’
‘Building a future filled with hope’
At the end of January, the churches and schools across the United States commemorated Catholic Schools Week. It was a moment of reflection on the gift of Catholic schools and the impact our schools make in the formation of our children in faith and life to both Church and society. This year’s theme for the week captured the breadth of the mission in simple terms: “United in Faith and Community.” Indeed, it captured the heart of what makes Catholic education unique and transformative. More than centers of academic excellence, Catholic schools are sacred spaces where young minds and hearts are shaped to embrace their fullest potential — physically, intellectually, spiritually, and humanly. Our mission is to form individuals who not only excel in the classroom, but also become the people God has lovingly intended them to be.
At the end of January, the churches and schools across the United States commemorated Catholic Schools Week. It was a moment of reflection on the gift of Catholic schools and the impact our schools make in the formation of our children in faith and life to both Church and society. This year’s theme for the week captured the breadth of the mission in simple terms: “United in Faith and Community.” Indeed, it captured the heart of what makes Catholic education unique and transformative. More than centers of academic excellence, Catholic schools are sacred spaces where young minds and hearts are shaped to embrace their fullest potential — physically, intellectually, spiritually, and humanly. Our mission is to form individuals who not only excel in the classroom, but also become the people God has lovingly intended them to be.
At the core of every Catholic school across our diocese is a commitment to nurturing the whole person. Through rigorous academics, students are challenged to think critically, communicate effectively, and grow in knowledge. But academic formation is only part of the journey. Spiritual growth is both central and fundamental. Daily prayer, opportunities for the sacraments, and a faith-filled environment to view their lives through the lens of faith invite and challenge students to deepen their relationship with Christ. Human formation, too, plays a vital role as we help students develop virtues such as compassion, integrity, and resilience, which equip them to navigate life’s challenges with grace and purpose.
This holistic approach is made possible by our dedicated faculty and staff who embody the mission of Catholic education. Their tireless efforts, guided by faith and a genuine love for their students, inspire excellence in every aspect of school life across the Diocese of Birmingham. I join Margaret Dubose, our superintendent, and our excellent team of school administrators, faculty, staff, volunteers, and benefactors across our diocese who recognize the unique gifts and potential of each child, encouraging them to strive for greatness, while remaining grounded in the Gospel values of love, service, and justice.
What sets our schools apart is that our schools have an intentional mission. Catholic school education is more than preparation for a career; it is preparation for life; a preparation to reach our highest potentials to become good Christians contributing something more to family and society. In these schools, students are lifted up to become agents of hope and people of deeper faith. They are encouraged to see beyond themselves, to recognize the needs of others, and to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of society. Whether through acts of service, community outreach, or the pursuit of social justice, Catholic school graduates carry forward a spirit of hope that transforms the world around them.
In recent years, our parish and diocesan schools have experienced remarkable growth, a testament to the enduring value of Catholic education. This growth positions us to be places of hope and transformation for even more families. With faith as our foundation, we are preparing our students for tomorrow’s world, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and moral compass needed to navigate a rapidly changing society.
Join me as we express our gratitude for the gift of Catholic education in all of its facets and dimensions. United in faith and community, we are inspired to continue forming generations of young people who will bring God’s light and love to the world. Together, we are building a future filled with hope.
The Most Reverend Steven J. Raica is the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama.
