A Message from Archbishop Dennis Schnurr

about Catholic Schools

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

      During this week, we join with dioceses across the country in celebrating the history and success of our Catholic schools. In the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, we are blessed with some of the finest Catholic schools in the country. Our schools have a distinguished tradition of effectively and authentically teaching the faith to the next generation. Our schools are known for fostering high quality academics, robust enrichment programs, and family-centered communities where children are valued and validated.

      As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, I am filled with gratitude for the hard work and dedication of our teachers, administrators, and staff members. Without their efforts, our schools could not be successful. Likewise, I am thankful for the many benefactors and volunteers who support our schools. Finally, I am deeply grateful for the parents and students within our schools; I thank you for your trust as we educate the next generation in the Catholic faith.

      For the past 18 months, we have been engaged in an effort to define a unified vision for the future of Catholic school education in our Archdiocese. Through the guidance of Superintendent Jim Rigg and the Vision Steering Committee, enormous amounts of data have been collected on our Catholic schools. We have listened to the insights of stakeholders through Visioning Sessions and surveys, and have worked with universities and foundations to define new systems of support. The vision, which will be completed by the fall of 2012, will provide a new path for our Catholic schools into the future. This vision will allow our schools to join together in a common ministry. It will allow us to move purposefully and prayerfully into the future, and ensure that our schools continue to provide the best possible religious and academic education to our young people.

      As we complete the visioning process, I call upon the people of the Archdiocese to join with us in supporting the future of our Catholic schools. I encourage you to monitor the Archdiocesan website for updates about the vision, and become directly involved in defining our plan for Catholic education.

      Our Catholic schools are an essential part of the ministry of our Church. May God continue to bless our schools in abundance, and provide us with a vibrant and hopeful future.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr