Early last year, Father Kevin Bazzel, Vicar General of the diocese, gave a presentation for those involved with Catholic education within the diocese. Even though I had never attended one of the previous gatherings sponsored by the Catholic Schools Office, I had put this one in particular on my calendar. Looking back, I believe it was definitely a Holy Spirit moment. In explanation, Father Bazzel’s presentation offered a unique perspective that I, in my myopia, had never even considered. Afterwards, I implored Father Bazzel to consider sharing his presentation with the One Voice. He graciously agreed, and a streamlined version of his perspective on the gift of Catholic education can be read in this issue’s “From the Presbyterate.” It is truly eye-opening.

Once one understands the Church’s gift of Catholic schools, it becomes clear why so many give their lives in service to the mission. Two such individuals are featured in this issue: Courtney Magee and Ronald Steele.

Magee never attended Catholic schools as a child, yet after becoming involved with St. Joseph Regional Catholic School in Florence, Catholic education became her passion. Steele is a product of John Carroll Catholic High School, and his decision to help lead the school is a direct result of his firsthand experience as a student of the school.

With these articles in mind, it is fitting that the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Birmingham chose “Peace Be with You” as their theme for the academic year. The theme, explains Superintendent of Catholic Schools Margaret Dubose, “Speaks to the peace that is experienced when one discerns their vocation in life.” For Catholic educators, she continues, “Service to Catholic education lives beyond the classroom, beyond our students’ graduations, and beyond our time as educators. The impacts of what we do are many and often intangible.”

There is no doubt that the impacts of what Catholic educators impart to our children is invaluable, for they are taking part in the mission of the Church to form the whole child and, above all, to point the way to Heaven.