Catholic Schools Week

Many thanks to so many of you who made Catholic Schools Week such a success in our diocese. “Dividends for Life” was the theme, celebrated throughout the United States last week. I took the occasion to celebrate Mass at St. Marguarite in Tooele, where we were led in song by several of the classes in the grammar school there. The children were marvelous as they joined voices in praising God and thanking him for all his blessings. 

After Mass, we had a great fundraising dinner for the new school building. Special thanks to the great cooks from Sostanza Restaurant and Jim’s Family Restaurant, to all those who served the tables and especially to Father Hernando Diaz and Mrs. Marcella Burden. It was a most enjoyable evening and the food was terrific. We were even entertained by Tooele High School jazz ensemble led by Marilyn Syra.

Catholic education is going through a difficult time in its history. Prices are skyrocketing, the religious sisters are dwindling and competition is stiffening. Still, we recognize that Catholic Schools are an unparalleled blessing in our church and we have to do all we can to support them and ensure their future. Each of us is called to “teach as Jesus did” and this happens remarkably well in our Catholic schools. I encourage us all to learn all we can about our fine schools and to support them by whatever means we have at our disposal. 

Special thanks to Sister Catherine Kamphaus, CSC and Sister Genevra Rolf, CSC, for all they do in leading the Department of Catholic Schools in our diocese. They put in countless hours in support of our schools and I am very much indebted to them.