It should come as no surprise to anyone reading this week’s column that I am convinced our Catholic schools provide quality education for all who attend them.   Committed to the education of the whole person, they offer outstanding academic programs that provide our children and young people with the knowledge and skills they need to assume their role in the Church and society. Our Catholic schools, however, do more than this. They are our best vehicle for handing on our Catholic faith, a privileged place to encounter Christ and to be drawn by God’s grace to live as a companion and disciple of Christ.

The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2012 is “Catholic Schools: Faith – Academics – Service.” The theme focuses on three priorities that Catholic schools establish that make them stand out from other educational institutions. Our children are taught faith – not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God. Academics, which in Catholic schools are held to very high standards,  help each child to reach his or her potential. Service, the giving of one’s time and effort to help others, is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship.

The Diocese of Syracuse has always been blessed by the presence of dedicated religious, laity and priests who contribute to bringing to life the healing presence of Jesus and who reflect God’s great love for us.

Recognizing with gratitude their unique gifts and diverse focus of ministry, the diocese has established within its structure offices and commissions, each responding to one of these groups, for instance, Family Life Education, Community Services, Formation for Ministry, Liturgy and RCIA, and many others.  Each office or commission has someone appointed by the Bishop to facilitate that particular area.

Within the community of faith, there are men and women who have chosen to live their baptismal vocation by professing vows and living a life dedicated to prayer and service. Men and women, living this consecrated life, have served in the Diocese since the time when we were part of the Albany Diocese.  The first religious community, The Franciscan Order of Friars Minor Conventuals, arrived in Syracuse in 1859. Since that time, men and women of many religious orders have come in response to the needs of our people, whenever and however these needs became known. They have served with dedication and commitment through their presence and many ministries. Each religious congregation of women or men has contributed to the growth of the Diocese and has affected the lives of countless people through the manner in which they live the Gospel message of Christ’s healing presence and reflect God’s unconditional love to all they serve in their many and varied ministries.