Catholic education is a ‘top priority’ of the Church
VANCOUVER
Ask any Catholic bishop in B.C. Faith-based education is a big deal for the Church.
“Catholic education has always been one of the top priorities of the Church as part of her mission,” said Kamloops Bishop Joseph Nguyen said as students returned to class after Christmas break.
He and his four fellow B.C. prelates recently released a pastoral letter to remind parents, teachers, and pastors of the sacred importance of faith-based schools.
“The Catholic school is integral to the parish, participating in the evangelizing mission of the Church,” said the letter, dated Nov. 4.
“It provides religious and moral reference points to help students critically evaluate culture in the light of the Gospel and help build a social order enlightened by the truth of Christ’s teaching.”
In their letter, the bishops point out Catholic schools provide the technical and practical foundations that every child needs and help students integrate faith in all areas of their lives.
B.C.’s Catholic independent schools, which follow the curriculum set out by the Ministry of Education and are 50 per cent funded by government, also benefit the community, the bishops added.
“Pope Francis’ emphasis on reaching those on the peripheries reflects this core focus of Catholic education.”
The letter, Bishop Nguyen told The B.C. Catholic, was an attempt to remind Catholics of the value bishops place on schools, big and small, across the province.
“This work is a noble work of hope and love, which educates our students to be ever more human, leads them ever more fully to the truth, instils in them growing respect for life, and trains them in right inter-personal relations.”
A Catholic school is a “blessing” for parents, as it assists them in passing the faith to their children, and a benefit for parishes, whose young members may become active participants and evangelizers.
Archbishop J. Michael Miller of Vancouver and Bishops Gary Gordon of Victoria, John Corriveau of Nelson, and Stephen Jensen of Prince George also signed the letter.
Bishop Gordon shared his vision for Catholic schools during a professional development day last fall at St. Edward’s school in Duncan. “With AWE – Authenticity, Witness, and Excellence – every town in this diocese will want one of your schools,” he told the educators.
“What is it to be an ‘authentic’ Catholic school? Well, to tell you the truth, it has nothing to do with the school. To be an authentic Catholic school and an authentic Catholic educator is rooted in the person of Jesus Christ.”
