As the school year quickly comes to its conclusion we set this Sunday aside in order to celebrate our parish school and thus the fruits which spring forth from a Catholic education.
This parish community is made up of many different ministries. There is no way that a single person can be involved in every single ministry. Nevertheless, we are called to be invested in the totality of our parish life. We should pray for the good of the parish which includes everything which is taking place throughout the many ministries which make up our parish.
One of the important fruits of our parish is that of our parish school. Out of those here today there are current students of our school, there are teachers of our school, there are those who are alumni of our school, and there are those who have felt the benefit of a Catholic education in their life. Even those who have no affiliation with our parish school benefit from its presence.
The statistics show that those who attend Catholic school are more likely to practice their faith in their adulthood versus those who do not attend one. Catholic education provides children with the attendance of Mass, participation in the Sacrament of Confession, as well as prayer, and being in an environment which is conducive to learning and growing in virtue. I have heard it said of those who attend our school that our children are truly prepared for not only for high school, but also living out their Catholic faith.
In our Gospel Christ gives us the commandment to love one another. If we are to love one another then we must come to know Christ. Our parish school helps our children to come and to know Christ. From this relationship they are prepared to follow this commandment. May all of us come to know Christ in order that we may share this love with all those whom we encounter.
We must remember that the first school is that of the home. In the home it is up to parents to teach their children about Christ and thus how to fall in love with Him. From this relationship they are also preparing their children to love one another. No matter if the child is sent to our school, another school, or are homeschooled this relationship must become a reality.
To parents in our midst we invite you to enroll your children in our parish school. To all those who are present we invite you to spread the good news of our parish school to your family and friends. Sometimes people from outside this parish community do not realize that our school is a possibility for their children. We can change this misunderstanding through our heartfelt invitation to them. To all may we get involved in the ministry that is our parish school even if all that we can do is offer our prayers. We are very much so in need of prayer.
