My dear young people –Bishop Callahan here with a few words as you celebrate Catholic Schools Week!

It is good for us to take some time to celebrate our Catholic Schools. We set aside this week to reflect on the great gift of Catholic Education. Each day, when you come together, you experience God in a new and unique way. He is with you in your studies, when you interact with your classmates and most importantly when you spend time in prayer. Never take this time for granted and be ready to listen to Jesus when he speaks to you.

This past year, so many people have worked hard to keep everyone in our schools safe and healthy. Thank you for your extra efforts despite the many obstacles you have encountered. Thank you students for doing you best and trying to stay positive. Thank you teachers for being on the front lines, giving so much to your students. And thank you parents for believing in your children and believing in Catholic Education.

Our Catholic Schools are known for their excellence. Everyone involved is committed to making our schools the best they can be so our students will be the best they can be. Strong school leadership brings a great teaching environment for our teachers which then leads to success in the classroom. Students are known to perform better when surrounded by a safe, loving and Faith-filled community.

I’m always impressed when I hear how our Catholic Schools are active in their communities. When you serve others you are serving Christ. He teaches us “Whatever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for me.” This is powerful teaching and sometimes hard to remember. When you help others in the name of Christ, you are acting as a child of God.

Think about the type of person God is asking you to be. Ask yourself ‘How can I grow in Holiness?’ ‘Am I loving God and loving my neighbor as much as I can?”

Strive always to stay close to God and keep firm on your desire to be happy with Him in Heaven.

I hope you will have a good celebration; I also hope to see many of you during this week. Take a few minutes to tell your teachers and parents about what Catholic Education means to you. They would love to hear from you.

Carry the love of Jesus in your heart and let his love shine wherever you are!

And may almighty God bless you: In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.