Dear Friends:
“What you have received as a gift, give as a gift.” (Mt 10:8)
We are all familiar with these words of Our Lord Jesus, and while we know that they apply to many aspects of our Christian Faith, it seems to me that they apply in a particular way to our experience of Catholic schools.
Many of us have benefitted personally from Catholic education – for eight, twelve, sixteen years or even more. And in a broader sense, all the members of the Church and community have been enriched by the contribution of our Catholic schools, particularly in their unquestioned record of providing a sound education, forming future leaders, instilling solid moral values, and inspiring young people to generous service and concern for others.
But what we ourselves have received from the commitment and sacrifice of others, we are called now to share. In the context of Catholic Schools Week 2018, I extend my appreciation, prayers and blessings to all those who are dedicated to the continued success of our Catholic schools ― to our pastors, administrators, teachers, staff, volunteers, parents, and students.
My sincere gratitude goes out to all those in the Diocese of Providence who support our Catholic schools. But, most of all, thanks and praise to Almighty God for allowing us to receive this wonderful blessing and for the opportunity of sharing it today with others!
Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence
