Friday, April 8, 2011

Catholic Schools


Dear Parishioners,
Catholic Schools
We proudly boast of Notre Dame Regional School as part of our parish.  In addition, I have been personally associated with and responsible for Sacred Heart High School in Vineland for the past 14 years.  
I truly believe in and have dedicated the majority of my years to service in Catholic schools.  This will remain my passion as long as the Catholic school is true to its Catholic mission and identity.  A Catholic school is never supposed to be just a “private school,” some type of “alternative to public education” or a type of “status symbol” that only “elite” families can afford.
What makes a Catholic school special?
We pray together each day.  We teach morals, values, love and forgiveness to the students.  We celebrate the sacraments (especially Mass and Confession) as part of the life of the school.  Our Catholic faith is an important component of the curriculum.  We develop the whole person—body, mind and soul.  We freely preach “Jesus is Lord!” 
These factors to me are simply priceless.
Yes, the public schools may have many more material things available (that your taxes pay for!) but they can not readily proclaim that Jesus, the Son of God, loves me and died for my sins.
This does not hide the fact that Catholic schools certainly have their challenges.  Religious sisters and priests in schools are becoming a rarity.  Tuition costs continue to rise.  Unfortunately, not every Catholic school student (or family) listens to or incorporates the Gospel message into their lives.
Still, I believe in Catholic schools and have known and experienced their influence on so many people’s lives.  In fact, I believe that I am a priest today because of the example of dedicated priests, sisters and lay teachers during my years of Catholic school education.
I take this time to thank Dr. Mary Alimenti, the Principal of Notre Dame Regional School, for her commitment, dedication, tireless work ethic and leadership.  She has my complete confidence.  She and her faculty and staff are doing a wonderful job and I am proud of them!  I am also grateful for and proud of the administration, faculty and staff of Sacred Heart High School.  This high school has been a primary foundation of Catholic education in our area since 1927. 
For those who have chosen a Catholic school education for their children, I am grateful for your commitment and support.  I encourage all parents to take the time to consider this option for their children.  It will involve sacrifice to some degree.  But sacrifice is the foundation of our faith—a sacrifice that was made on the cross for you and me.
Try teaching that in a public school.
Fr. Ed Namiotka
Pastor

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