A message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
I had the privilege of celebrating Mass at the Chancery for all the principals of our 31 Catholic schools in the Diocese on August 19, joined by superintendent Dr. Vincent Schmidt and assistant superintendents Daniel O’Connell and Bonnie Milecki from our Department of Catholic Schools. It was wonderful to experience their excitement and enthusiasm for the coming school year.
The following day, I enjoyed meeting and having lunch at St. Gregory the Great Academy in Hamilton with the new teachers in our Catholic schools. They, too, expressed excitement to begin their work. Some were brand new at their profession while others were joining the Dioceses’ Catholic schools as “veterans” from other schools. I thanked both groups for their dedication, wished them success in their work and told them not to forget to “have fun”!
Prior to becoming Bishop of Trenton in 2010, I spent my entire priesthood in the work of Catholic education, teaching at a Catholic high school, at a seminary, at two Catholic universities and in administration —- academic dean, academic vice-president and president —- at three universities. I had never been a pastor and only substituted as a “summer” parish priest a few times. I often wondered if I’d ever “graduate” from school? Well. Pope Benedict XVI finally gave me an answer 14 years ago!
I love being a Catholic priest and all the spiritual and pastoral experiences that vocation brings. Teaching has always been and remains a priority for me. It is an essential element of serving as a bishop, through preaching and writing. Although I don’t have an assignment in any individual Catholic school, I see part of my episcopal responsibilities as having an assignment in “all of them” throughout the four counties of the Diocese of Trenton.
Our Catholic schools are amazing places. They offer truly excellent instruction in “reading and writing and ‘rithmetic’” as the old song goes. I believe our Catholic school teachers, administrators, staffs and coaches do an outstanding job in carrying out their varied responsibilities and more often than not going far beyond our expectations. But the thing that singles them out as unique among all schools — public, private, charter —- is the presence of our Catholic faith not merely in the academic instruction given (although that is absolutely essential) but in the spirit that identifies them as Catholic, a spirit you can sense and feel as soon as you walk in the door of any of our Catholic schools. I sometimes refer to it as “that Catholic thing!”
Several years ago, I developed a theme for the work we do in our Catholic schools in the Diocese: “Catholic Schools Have It All.” I truly believe that. And the “all” I’m referring to is the excellence of the curriculum presented and the success it produces —- as all the academic research and statistics testify —- as well as the wonderful extra curricular activities available.
Most important, however, is the Catholic faith taught, learned and made a way of life from the earliest ages forward. Catholic schools make good Catholics and Christians who, in turn, make good citizens. Our Catholic schools may not bow to every social trend or latest fad found in society at large —- and I support that resistance, in and out of the classroom —- but, rather, spend their energies on the difference that faith and truth, charity and hope, respect and commitment to justice make in the lives of their students and bring to society. That difference can only be made if our educators and school communities, our parents and families, our alumni and donors share the conviction of faith that inspires them to become true “partners in identity and mission” —- Catholic identity and mission.
As our young ones head back to school, Catholics in our Diocese should be grateful for and supportive of our excellent Catholic schools, whether they have school-aged children or not. Few things are sadder and more difficult than when a Catholic school becomes unsustainable. Although necessary to conclude at times, that should be the rarest of all decisions. It doesn’t have to be if Catholic families take advantage of “all” that our Catholic schools “have” to offer.
I pray that more of the faithful will support Catholic schools and Catholic education in the Diocese of Trenton. Yes, that requires family sacrifices, but the benefits far outweigh them.
Have a wonderful, blessed and, yes, fun school year!