By Duane Siepker
Many things have changed over the years at Seton; however, the essential nature of Seton Catholic —the reason for our existence — has not changed.
Keeping tradition? Yes! Our mission is firm. The Catholic identity of our school is not taken for granted. It is worked at; it is nourished; it is engaged by our young people, the staff and our school families. Our Catholic beliefs, prayers and spirituality are not just trimmings, but are the essence of our school. We continue, as in the past, to emphasize the development of the whole child — intellectual, social, physical, psychological and spiritual.
At the same time I recall the words of Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta who stated that it is sometimes a temptation to believe that within the Church, yesterday was the zenith of our lives. He added that Catholic schools have known many great and cherished moments in the past; however, the future will not be any less glorious or worthy of the Church.
Challenges? Yes. Increasing enrollment, keeping tuition affordable at Seton, providing just salaries, and properly equipping our school in technology and in sound education programs remain ongoing challenges. However, knowing we have the blessings of God and the Davenport Diocese, we are charting a course to meet challenges so we will add to the many great and cherished moments in our school’s history.
(Siepker is principal of Seton Catholic School.)
