August 26, 2009

Catholic schools: Investing in the future of the Church

By Jessie Skipwith

Each new a school year brings tremendous excitement, new opportunities and outstanding success as students, families and faculties stand witness to the remarkable gifts which manifest in the lives of the students who bring such joy to our Catholic schools. 

This is exponentially more evident in the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic schools in that our students continue to excel year in and year out as they bring their God-given talents to the classroom, the athletic field and certainly to the chapel.  As the principal of Bishop Machebeuf High School, one of two archdiocesan Catholic high schools in the archdiocese of Denver, I am able to recognize that such gifts are acknowledged not only for our school in particular, but for the 39 member schools within our phenomenal school system.

As we prepare for this upcoming school year it is a joy to share with the entire Catholic community the feelings of confidence that the students who attend our Catholic schools will experience more complete development and unsurpassed academic and personal success in their lives both now and well into their futures.  This confidence stems from the demonstrated standards of practice that continue to bring a culture of Catholic faith formation within a nurturing community that reinforces the family environment.  Every student who receives as a blessing the opportunity to attend our Catholic schools is challenged by a standard of excellence while pursuing a rigorous academic curriculum in a community filled with compassion for others and faith in God. 

It is always a pleasure and an honor to work with students at the high school level, as they bring to the Catholic school such a strong desire to grow and develop in their faith and love for Jesus Christ.  When this strong desire is coupled with the competence, conscience and compassion of our accredited faculty, the outcomes are nothing short of grace-filled.  Whether our students are recognized as Daniels or Boetcher Scholars, National Merit Finalists or state champions, it becomes apparent through the consistent faith formation that develops throughout their time spent in our Catholic schools the awareness of the responsibility to give back to our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

It is a true gift to witness the love that spills forth as our students give unconditionally of their time to volunteering with the elderly, homeless and sick members of our human family while always keeping the dignity of the human person at the forefront of their mission in life.

The Archdiocese of Denver Catholic schools and its member schools are truly blessed to partner with various entities who continue to fervently support the mission of faith formation through education for our young people.  Additionally, it is most apparent that our students continue to thrive in these challenging social times as a direct result of the enthusiasm, passion and competence of those who stand  witness to a living encounter with Christ.  Our Catholic schools are deeply rooted in the historical context of investing in the future of the Church and in the future of our faith, and this will continue to be the mission well into our future.  May God bless you and your families as we enter into the promise of the 2009-2010 school year.

Jessie Skipwith is principal of Bishop Machebeuf High School.