Dear People of God,
The week of Jan. 27-Feb. 3 is set aside to celebrate Catholic Schools Week here in our diocese and across the nation. The 2019 Catholic Schools Week theme is: “Catholic Schools; Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” The first standard of The National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools states “An excellent Catholic school is guided and driven by a clearly communicated mission that embraces a Catholic identity rooted in Gospel values, centered on the Eucharist and committed to faith formation, academic excellence and service.” This theme states the goal of all our Catholic schools.
Schools typically observe the week with Masses, open houses and special activities for students, families, parishioners and other community members. Please know that everyone is welcome to join in this celebration of faith and education. It is a great opportunity to see what our students are accomplishing and thank those responsible for educating our children.
Our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Davenport have a specific and clear mission flowing from the Gospel and defined by the Catholic Church. In order to accomplish that mission we rely on many individuals and groups, including members of the clergy, parents, administrators, faculty and staff, grandparents, volunteers and benefactors who support our Catholic schools throughout the year. May they continue to have the wisdom and the grace to answer God’s call to this work.
Please know that, in my role as bishop of the Diocese of Davenport, I pray for the continued success of our Catholic schools and all faith formation activities in the diocese. May we continue to ensure that our Catholic schools remain an extension of the church, emphasizing Catholic teachings, virtues and traditions, while also valuing diversity and showing respect for all people. Happy Catholic Schools Week!
Sincerely in Christ
Most Rev. Thomas R. Zinkula
Bishop of Davenport
