In the wake of the NCEA
This week, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia hosted the annual convention
of the National Catholic Education Association. I was delighted to celebrate
Mass for the members of the Convention, as well as to welcome them to
the City of Brotherly Love.
It was highly appropriate that the NCEA Convention met in Philadelphia,
for our Archdiocese has a tremendous history in which Catholic schools
play such a significant role. Beginning with the zealous efforts of Saint
John Neumann, for over a century and a half, pastors have embraced the
value of educating our children in an atmosphere in which every subject
is taught in the light of Faith.
During the NCEA Convention, our students radiantly demonstrated the impact
of Catholic education in their lives. In the musical concert, by their
presence at the liturgies and their assistance in the various aspects
of the Convention, the products of our Catholic schools prove at every
moment that our efforts and sacrifices are bearing fruit. My own enthusiasm
in the wake of the NCEA inspires me to take the opportunity to remind
everyone of the treasure which we have in the Catholic schools of the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Some statistical information
Currently, in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, there are 212 parish elementary
schools in which 73,122 students are enrolled. Through these schools,
children receive an outstanding education, not only through the texts
and technology which are available, but, most particularly, through the
example and conviction of dedicated religious and lay teachers. Under
the guidance of pastors, our teachers are committed to working with parents,
who are the first teachers in the ways of faith (Rite of Baptism). Our
parish elementary schools possess a joyful, welcoming atmosphere where
children not only learn, but are trained to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are proud of our 21 Archdiocesan high schools in which 22,726 students
are enrolled. Our Catholic high schools also integrate the Gospel in every
aspect of curriculum. Offering a diverse and competitive secondary education,
along with athletics, the arts, and service to the community placed in
the perspective of the personal relationship of each student with Jesus
Christ, Catholic high schools prepare young men and women for higher education,
as well as for lives of Christian leadership and service.
Of special note is the Community Service Corps, which is a wonderful activity
in Catholic high schools. The Community Service Corps enables students
to develop an acute sense of their involvement in the local community,
particularly with those who are disadvantaged. Some Catholic high schools
offer tutoring to elementary school students, particularly in inner city
neighborhoods. Others assist persons with disabilities or special needs,
such as those at the Don Guanella School. Such examples demonstrate that
students involved in the Community Service Corps learn to reach out in
charity and in leadership to the larger community.
For many years, special education has held a significant place in the
commitment of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to Catholic education of
children with special needs. Our 5 special education schools educate and
nurture 340 children. The dedication and love of those who work in Catholic
special education schools help children to know that they are loved and
cared for in an environment rich in the love of Jesus.
Mention must also be made of Mercy Vocational School, the only Catholic
vocational school in the country. Here young men and women learn skills
and trades, in a Catholic setting, which will provide a future for these
young people. In addition, the Archdiocese is very proud of the work of
the Saint Gabriel System, which provides education and treatment for youths
in the Juvenile Justice System. This program aids in rehabilitation of
these youths while offering them a hope-filled future.
In addition to the Archdiocesan schools, there are 13 private Catholic
elementary schools and 15 private Catholic high schools. Catholic higher
education also has a long tradition in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
There are 11 universities and colleges which identify themselves as Catholic
located in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Heroic sacrifices
From the earliest days of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia,
Saint John Neumann and his priests knew that Catholic schools would have
a lasting impact on the Church in Philadelphia, and, indeed, throughout
the United States. Well-educated Catholics would have a positive influence
on the emerging character of the then still relatively new nation. Their
vision was correct. The generations of Catholic men and women, affected,
formed and influenced by the Catholic education which they received have
built up this great nation, assumed leadership in every sphere, and continue
to bear the Gospel of Jesus to the home, the neighborhood and the marketplace.
Furthermore, vibrant Catholic schools remain significant contributors
to the well-being of neighborhoods. A strong Catholic school provides
a haven of hope and safety, particularly in economically challenged neighborhoods.
Parents — even parents who are not Catholic — make great efforts
to send their children to Catholic schools.
In remarks offered to leadership of Catholic elementary, secondary and
religious education, Pope John Paul II praised the financial sacrifices
made by parents in order to provide their children with a Catholic education:
“The heroic sacrifices of generations of Catholic parents in building
up and supporting parochial and diocesan schools must never be forgotten.
Rising costs may call for new approaches, new forms of partnership and
sharing, new uses of financial resources. But I am sure that all concerned
will face the challenge of Catholic schools with courage and dedication,
and not doubt the value of the sacrifices to be made.”
The words of our Holy Father are particularly true as we recall that those
who choose a Catholic education are, in a sense, “doubly taxed.”
Not only do they make the sacrifices to provide their children with a
Catholic education, they still pay taxes which go toward the support of
local public schools. We remain hopeful that efforts toward tuition vouchers
and tax credits will bring just and equitable relief and assistance to
those who chose a Catholic education.
In the spirit and insight of Saint John Neumann, we can take great pride
in our Catholic schools. History demonstrates how well Catholic schools
have formed young men and women in living the Christian life. As we look
to the present and future situation of Catholic schools, we know that
we have an enduring gift, one that will continue to have a Christ-like
impact on society, one child at a time.