Catholic Schools week celebrated Jan. 28-Feb. 3

A Message from Archbishop Jackels

One of the mission priorities for the Archdiocese of Dubuque is to strengthen programs for education in the Catholic Faith. This can be considered the most important Church ministry for continuing the mission of Jesus. Why? Because all Church ministries are inspired by love of Jesus. But we cannot love what we do not know, and we cannot know unless someone teaches us.

That is why it can be said that all Church ministries rise or fall on the strength of our efforts to educate and form people in our Catholic Faith. With regard to school-age children, we believe that parents are the first and best teachers of their children in how to live as a follower of Jesus. And when parents look to the Church for help, the best we can offer is a Catholic school, which partners with parents, but does not take their place. Even with the best teachers and facilities, if the faith is not taught and lived at home, the ministry of a Catholic school is greatly handicapped.

We should all be concerned that Catholic schools are high quality and accessible, even if we don’t have school-age children, because of what is at stake: To make students different and better, so as to increase the potential that they make the world different and better with the light and salt of the Gospel!

God reward all who do so much as partners to continue the mission of Jesus by strengthening programs for education in the Catholic Faith, like the Catholic school.

Michael O. Jackels, Archbishop of Dubuque

Message from the Superintendent

Catholic Schools Week is a time to celebrate all of the spiritual and academic opportunities that are available in our 52 Catholic schools. Students are supported with rich Catholic traditions, rigorous academic expectations, and a nurturing community of faith.

We are blessed to have so many strong and vibrant Catholic schools. They play a very important role in the ministry of the Church and partnering with parents in the faith formation of their children. In a world filled with challenges, Catholic schools offer daily religious instruction and modeling of the faith, which assists families to raise their children to serve God and one another. What a wonderful blessing to communities and investment in the future!

During this Catholic Schools Week I want to personally thank all of the priests, parishioners, parents, teachers, and staff who work together to provide the opportunity for high quality Catholic education for our students. It is through your generous support, participation, and prayers that the blessing of Catholic schools is available to so many!

Kimberly A. Hermsen, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Dubuque