C Catholic Schools A Way FORWARD

catholic schools are true treasures in the life of the Church. Across the globe, nearly 35 million children attend Catholic primary schools, 20 million attend Catholic secondary schools, and more than 7 million attend Catholic preschools and nurseries. Serving 1.6 million students in the United States alone, Catholic schools have a history of being centers of evangelization, and of social and intellectual empowerment, for millions of Catholics and others.

With the conviction that human beings have a transcendent destiny, U.S. Catholic schools have been a beacon of light in times of uncertainty. In the late 1800s, with faith as an anchor, thousands of European immigrants turned to Catholic schools to educate their children as they transitioned their families to a new country. Immigrant families found comfort in community, and a space where their language, culture, and traditions would be honored. More recently, between 2020 and 2022, a time marred by an uncertain COVID19 pandemic, Catholic schools with a resilient spirit and agile leaders found a way to re-open safely despite the unknowns of a microscopic virus. “In fall 2020, while just 43% of public schools and 34% of charter schools offered in-person learning in September, 92% of Catholic schools offered in-person learning.” As the doors opened, and Catholic schools prioritized in-person learning, a boost in enrollment resulted, the first in decades.

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

In both situations, the light of Catholic schools became evident as Catholic education “involves not just the head but the heart, not just the soul but the body. Physical exercises are as important as spiritual exercises. Learning is as important as a good diet. Students pray, learn, and eat healthily as ways to glorify God and care for their entire selves. All are gifts from God.” This holistic approach to education is what sets Catholic education apart and it occurs because Catholic educators center cura personalis and accompaniment.

Cura personalis is Latin for “care of the whole person” or “care for the individual person.” Cura personalis envisions and cares for the person as God envisions and cares for her or him. Cura personalis reminds all educators that education does not end with academic excellence, but helps the person grow in his or her relationship with God.

Pope Francis sees accompaniment from numerous practical and theological angles, where essentially we a re not alone, and we experience the divine through community. Catholic schools embrace accompaniment as a central tenet as to how we educate: “… we need a Church capable of walking at people’s side, of doing more than simply listening to them; a Church which accompanies them on their journey; a Church able to make sense of the ‘night.’”

We live in a rapidly changing and increasingly global society. At times it feels as if the “night” is all around us—in the darkness of living in the midst of a pandemic, during an age of polarized politics, climate change, mass shootings, and escalating mental health issues. Now more so than ever do we need schools that embrace cura personalis and are willing to accompany their students and families in a holistic manner. It is because of this need that Catholic schools meet that they will continue to inspire children to change society and the world for the better.

Catholic schools are and will continue to be a central mission of the Church in this century and the next. As readers of this 20th anniversary issue look to breathe new life into the Church, we must begin with our youth, as they hold the greatest hope for our future. As people of faith, we must continue to support our Catholic schools—giving one’s time, treasure, and talents—in ways that let the light of these schools shine even brighter. This may mean when there is a need for substitute teachers, consider the time you may be able to give. When there is a capital campaign for facility upgrades, consider the resources you may be able to give. When you see students preparing for their First Communion, consider the prayers you may be able to offer. We all can play a part in amplifying the light of Catholic schools. And the future of our Church starts with our youth. Now is the time to let their light shine. ■

Melodie Wyttenbach is executive director of the Roche Center for Catholic Education and a faculty member for the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College.