A Message from the Director of Catholic Schools. . . . .

by Sr. Betty Larson, OSB

The week of January 26-February 1, 2003, Catholic schools of the Diocese of New Ulm, along with Catholic schools around the nation, celebrated who we are as Catholic schools and how we can and do make a difference in the life of the students and in the life of the parish and community. As our students leave our schools, we hope they will make a difference in the world.

These are challenging times for the schools in our Diocese. Declining population in several areas in our Diocese has had an effect on the enrollment in our schools. I believe that this is not a message to close schools, but rather to be creative in the programs we develop and in our vision for continued Catholic education. It is also a dream that we can broaden the scope of Catholic schools in our diocese to areas that presently do not have that opportunity.

What are the new programs? Perhaps, we have to develop a new model of education, where we can have students from more than one grade in a classroom and still provide a quality education for them. There is national research that tells us how multi-grade classrooms have proven to be a real asset in the education of children. What about area schools? Are we willing to give up our turf; if necessary, and to provide busing to a nearby Catholic school for our children? Are we willing to provide opportunities for students to have 12 years of Catholic education when that is possible in an area? What about new Catholic high schools in other areas of the Diocese?

I realize that these are big questions and big dreams, but I also realize that it is time for the church in our Diocese to realize that it is only with a vision of hope that our schools can remain viable into the future.

Our diocese is blessed with very dedicated teachers and administrators, who are committed to giving their students the best education possible. We are blessed with many dedicated parents, who not only pay the tuition for their children but give endless volunteer hours of service to the schools.

A final challenge! Neither the teachers, nor the parents can do this task alone. As we are reminded by Vatican II, the parents are the primary educators of their children. You entrust them to us so that we can support and help you, but not replace you. How are you supporting the faith formation of your child? Are you providing the opportunity for your children to attend Mass on Sunday, to pray with you regularly, to be of service to others? Do you ask about religion classes as often as you ask about math and reading? It is only TOGETHER that we can MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD, IN THE LIFE OF OUR WORLD.