Saint Thomas Aquinas, patron saint of Catholic schools, says, “The things that we love tell us what we are.”
You can imagine the different roads this statement can lead as we look
at our own lives and determine what it is that we love. Is it material
possessions? Buying the newest car? Living in the biggest house? Or are
there intangible things that we value such as faith, knowledge and
wisdom?
There is no greater evidence of the love of education
than that of the thousands of families in our diocese who choose to
enroll in our Catholic schools. Parents make countless sacrifices—both
financially and otherwise—for their children to receive a faith-based
education that instills a lifelong set of beliefs and principals not
found in a public school system. Parents hold our schools to a higher
level of accountability because of the significant investment being made
in their children’s upbringing.
Our teachers have a great love
for our students too. Many of our teachers and school support staff
forgo many perks and benefits that could be available teaching elsewhere
because they truly believe in the importance of including Christ in the
classroom. Their love for our schools is shown in their dedication and
commitment to shaping the hearts and minds of our youth.
Many
of you support our schools not only through financial means but also
through countless volunteer hours. These acts of love are another reason
our schools are successful. Thank you for your continued support.
Please
keep all of our schools, our teachers and support staff, our students
and their families in your prayers. May God continue to bring down His
blessings upon each one of you.
St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us.
Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City