September 17, 2021

My dear friends in Christ,

Why should every Catholic in Central Massachusetts consider it their privilege and responsibility to support Catholic schools in our diocese?

The answer can be found in the theme of our annual Catholic School appeal “Committed to encountering Christ.” That is not just a catchy theme. It is a mission that forms young people to be good parents, good community members and good Catholics in the future. In short, while we stand on the shoulders of giants before us, we rely on the giants of tomorrow to continue the mission to bring the good news of salvation to future generations.

We encounter Christ in every classroom, not just in the religion class. That is because Catholic education provides a solid understanding of who we are, made in the image and likeness of God and with a faith-based sense of purpose. It is a lens that sharpens our vision when studying science and technology. It provides a worldview that shapes why we communicate with one another in Language Arts and Reading as well as in the fine arts. And our understanding of community is foundational to how we interact with one another in the classroom, during team sports or when performing our charitable works within and outside of school.

I am making a special appeal to those of you who are a product of a Catholic school education. If you cherish that great foundation, share its value with a young person today. Support this appeal, and any other opportunity you encounter to help those in need to access a Catholic education. Our Catholic schools do not exist for the privileged; however it is a privilege for each of us to share this opportunity to receive a Catholic school education with as many families as we can.

Thank you for prayerfully considering how you can respond to this annual appeal for Catholic Schools. 

With every prayerful best wish, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Robert J. McManus

Bishop of Worcester