Catholic students can grow in age, wisdom and grace

Intermountain Catholic

+ Enlarge

Bishop John C. Wester

"Proclaiming the Gospel is a perennial task and joy for the Church of Jesus Christ." So says the USCCB document "To Teach as Jesus Did," published in 1973, about the mission of the Church. This document is as relevant today as it was then. It continues: "Catholic Education is an expression of… [that] mission entrusted by Jesus to the Church He founded. Through education the Church seeks to prepare its members to proclaim the Good News and to translate this proclamation into action." As we celebrate Catholic Schools’ Week, I can think of no better mission statement and no better reason to salute and express gratitude for our Catholic schools in Utah.

As I visit throughout the diocese, I never cease to be amazed at our exemplary, successful and impressive schools, which carry out the mission of Jesus Christ himself in educating and guiding young people. Our schools are truly "houses of formation" where students enter more deeply into their relationship with Jesus Christ and learn how to live that relationship on a daily basis, thus preparing them to be leaders in our Church and in our world. Not only do our students learn about the truths of the faith, they also learn about the faith that is inherent in the truths of the universe that they study so carefully in their various classes. Catholic schools are able to shape the whole human person: mind, body and spirit. Building on the firm foundation of sacred scripture and sacred tradition, our students probe the depths of knowledge in science, the humanities, the arts and so much more. They learn how to live in community, loving God and neighbor in a practical and formational way. Our students see the beautiful blending of family, parish and school, coming together to provide a true "seminary" where they can grow in age, wisdom and grace. I am deeply proud of our Catholic schools in this diocese and I am grateful for this opportunity to sing their praises.

I would like to thank all those who make our Catholic schools what they are. To the countless people who have dedicated their lives to Catholic education as well as to those whose sacrifice makes our schools possible, I extend my profound thanks and enduring gratitude.

In particular, I thank Holy Cross Sister Catherine Kamphaus, Superintendent of Utah Catholic Schools, and Holy Cross Sister Genevra Rolf, Assistant Superintendent, for their exemplary leadership and service, as well as their capable staff. I also thank all the principals, administrators, staff, members of the Diocesan School Board and alumni who work so diligently in giving of themselves to our students. Your sacrifices are noted and appreciated. But most of all, I thank our teachers, who teach not only by profession but also by example. The impact they have on our children is incalculable. A Jesuit priest friend once said that a teacher cooperates with God in the shaping of a human soul. It is hard to think of a more noble calling and even harder to thank these wonderful men and women, who often spend more waking hours of the day with their students than anyone else.

In expressing thanks, I cannot omit our wonderful parents, pastors and parishioners who give so much of their time, talent and treasure to our schools. Their gift of self is second to none and an inspiration to us all. You know that it is not easy to balance all those budgets and at the same time meet the rigorous standards that have set our schools apart from the rest. I truly appreciate the efforts you make, especially in supporting the diocesan scholarship program by providing funding for so many of our students who are not as easily able to afford tuition.

Finally, I thank in a special way Mr. and Mrs. Sam Skaggs, who have personally and selflessly dedicated themselves to the betterment of our schools throughout the diocese. Their signal service of our schools is legendary and stands as a lasting testament to their desire to bring Christ’s love and truth to as many children as possible within the framework of our Catholic schools. I encourage all in our diocese to pray for Mr. and Mrs. Skaggs, who established the Vivian Skaggs Armstrong Foundation, and their four children, all of whom sit on foundation board. They and their fellow board members, along with Daughter of Charity Sister Stella Marie Zahner and Holy Cross Sister Karla McKinnie do more for our students than anyone will ever know.

It is my prayer that our wonderful students will continue to open themselves to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as they deepen in their love for our Lord and Savior who is present in each of our classrooms. After they graduate, they will be able to translate that proclamation into action as they make a difference in our Church and in our world. May God bless them always and keep them safe.