Pastors and Principals:
As we in the Archdiocesan Schools Office prepare for the new school year, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome back all school and parish staff. I hope that each of you has found time this summer to refresh and renew yourself physically and spiritually to meet the challenges and opportunities that a new school year provides. For those principals, pastors, teachers and support staff who are either new to the Archdiocese or simply in a new school or parish, I extend a special welcome from the entire CSD staff. Although Catholic schools are site-based managed, the Catholic Schools Department’s mission is to provide assistance to pastors and principals to carry forth their charge to educate the children entrusted to them in the Catholic faith, thus assisting parents as the primary educators.
Quoting Archbishop Sartain: "Catholic schools reflect the light of Christ in a powerful way -- They place a candle in children’s hands, and then God lights it with his Son. Catholic schools guard the light because we know it is only by His light that children will learn the truth. We must never forget: Jesus Christ is the reason there are Catholic Schools. He is our Light, the Light of the World. We are His reflections. Catholic schools are uniquely poised and uniquely capable of ensuring that the faith is handed on in its entirety and as an integral whole. There is no substitute for an educational environment infused with the presence of Christ."
If we all keep in mind the guiding principles found in Archbishop Sartain’s words, they will help to sustain us as we face the unknown challenges of the upcoming school year. For myself, I will keep each of you individually and collectively in my daily prayers, asking God to grant you the graces, the courage, the patience and wisdom that will be required of you to do God’s work as pastors, principals, teachers and school and parish support staff.
I am looking forward to working with you this year, especially the opportunity to meet and greet you during Teacher Excellence Day on September 16th at University of Washington’s Meany Hall.
Blessings and Peace,
Tom Lord
Interim Superintendent
Catholic Schools Department
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