Catholic Schools Week: Celebrating learning communities where the Gospel is lived every day

January 31, 2025 at 1:18 p.m.
Students from St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, have been enjoyed using the school's Virtual Reality system. Students were given the option to visit the Big Apple including Central Park, Wall Street, One World Trade Center, The Met and Times Square. Facebook photo
Students from St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, have been enjoyed using the school's Virtual Reality system. Students were given the option to visit the Big Apple including Central Park, Wall Street, One World Trade Center, The Met and Times Square. Facebook photo

By Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, Special Contributor

As the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Trenton, I am honored to represent our many excellent and Christ-centered Catholic schools.

Our Diocese covers a wide-reaching swath of the State of New Jersey with four counties that, together, reach from the Pennsylvania line all the way to the beaches.  Each of these counties has a different flavor and make-up, but the Catholic schools in all of these counties have one thing in common … they are living the Gospel values that represent the mission of Catholic education each and every day. 

Our Catholic schools are so very special because of the faith-filled communities that support our programs.  Every parent, educator and student contribute to their success.  Our schools’ leaders never lose sight of their three most important responsibilities: Making sure our schools are living the Catholic mission, are promotors of real academic student achievement and are safe for all that attend and work in our buildings.

How do our schools do this?

Our schools respond to the needs of the students in the classroom, but in the community as well; whenever/wherever it is needed.  The needs might be spiritual, educational or even social.  It might be a meal to eat or a shoulder to cry on or a tutoring session for a challenging lesson. The needs are ever present and our Catholic schools continue to help others as true servant leaders should. 

    A student from Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River, traveled to Complete Care Bey Lea to visit residents and participate in activities that promote a healthy mind and mindset. Facebook photo.
 
 

The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton are taking off into unprecedented areas of academic growth and rigor along with a continual focus on Catholic identity.  Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., often says, Catholic schools have it all!” when asked about this essential teaching ministry. As Superintendent, I could not agree more. This sentiment comes from the committed teams of educators that are dedicated to leading all students in our schools to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, strong academic achievement, personal growth in the areas of social awareness/social responsibility and a sense of self-reliance that is built on the values for which our Catholic schools are known.  This is never on display more than during Catholic Schools’ Week!

    Students from St. Gregory the Great School, Hamilton Square, serve as Student Council class representatives. Facebook photo
 
 

Our students are just starting the journey into young adulthood within their faith, and our students are role models and proof of what can be achieved by putting one’s self second.  Men and women for others…just as Jesus did throughout his ministry and is calling us to do. It is on display in our Catholic schools EVERYDAY!

Thank you for allowing our Catholic schools the privilege of educating the children of the Diocese of Trenton.



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As the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Trenton, I am honored to represent our many excellent and Christ-centered Catholic schools.

Our Diocese covers a wide-reaching swath of the State of New Jersey with four counties that, together, reach from the Pennsylvania line all the way to the beaches.  Each of these counties has a different flavor and make-up, but the Catholic schools in all of these counties have one thing in common … they are living the Gospel values that represent the mission of Catholic education each and every day. 

Our Catholic schools are so very special because of the faith-filled communities that support our programs.  Every parent, educator and student contribute to their success.  Our schools’ leaders never lose sight of their three most important responsibilities: Making sure our schools are living the Catholic mission, are promotors of real academic student achievement and are safe for all that attend and work in our buildings.

How do our schools do this?

Our schools respond to the needs of the students in the classroom, but in the community as well; whenever/wherever it is needed.  The needs might be spiritual, educational or even social.  It might be a meal to eat or a shoulder to cry on or a tutoring session for a challenging lesson. The needs are ever present and our Catholic schools continue to help others as true servant leaders should. 

    A student from Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River, traveled to Complete Care Bey Lea to visit residents and participate in activities that promote a healthy mind and mindset. Facebook photo.
 
 

The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton are taking off into unprecedented areas of academic growth and rigor along with a continual focus on Catholic identity.  Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., often says, Catholic schools have it all!” when asked about this essential teaching ministry. As Superintendent, I could not agree more. This sentiment comes from the committed teams of educators that are dedicated to leading all students in our schools to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, strong academic achievement, personal growth in the areas of social awareness/social responsibility and a sense of self-reliance that is built on the values for which our Catholic schools are known.  This is never on display more than during Catholic Schools’ Week!

    Students from St. Gregory the Great School, Hamilton Square, serve as Student Council class representatives. Facebook photo
 
 

Our students are just starting the journey into young adulthood within their faith, and our students are role models and proof of what can be achieved by putting one’s self second.  Men and women for others…just as Jesus did throughout his ministry and is calling us to do. It is on display in our Catholic schools EVERYDAY!

Thank you for allowing our Catholic schools the privilege of educating the children of the Diocese of Trenton.


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