It is said that we should never stop learning. Every day presents us with opportunities to learn more about ourselves and the world in which we live. God also is constantly working to draw us deeper into the truth of who He is and who He created us to be. This is the foundational principle of Catholic education, which seeks to form every dimension of the person according to God’s design.

The word “educate” derives from Latin words meaning “to draw out from.” Parents, teachers and professors draw out from within their children and students their God-given gifts and talents. They assist young people in understanding the world and how it functions so that they can discern their vocational call and thereby best put their gifts and talents to work in service of the greater human community. The work of Catholic education is very much about preparing young people to engage in society, not just as active, generous contributors, but also as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Well-formed and educated disciples have the opportunity and responsibility to bring Gospel values into their workplaces and social circles. By living a compelling life, they can draw others to seek relationship with Jesus: to know Him, love Him and follow Him.

As we begin the third year of the National Eucharistic Revival, it is fitting to remind ourselves that Catholic education, like every aspect of our lives, is caught up in the mystery of the Eucharist. We believe that the Eucharist–the Real Presence of Jesus–is the source and summit of our faith from which everything else derives its meaning and receives its purpose. Through the lens of the mysteries of creation, fall, incarnation, redemption and salvation–which are all drawn together in the gift of the Eucharist–we are better able to understand God’s purpose for the world and our lives in it. We give our entire lives to God in each celebration of the Eucharist, and God Himself draws out our full potential as men and women created in His image and likeness, and to whom He has entrusted stewardship of His creation. A Catholic education equips us for fulfilling this responsibility.

None of this is possible without dedicated parents who take seriously their vocation as the primary educators of their children. Catholic school teachers and staff members faithfully and generously assist parents in forming and educating their children. Behind the scenes, there are also many women and men, laity and clergy, who work to enable our Catholic schools to pursue this important mission. Chief among these is the superintendent of Catholic schools.

For the 2023-24 academic year, Kathy Kane served as interim superintendent of Catholic schools, and she did an outstanding job fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of that role while we searched for a permanent superintendent. Matt Daniels accepted that position and took over as superintendent of Catholic schools on July 1. Matt comes to us after serving nearly six years as senior director of Catholic education for the Diocese of Toledo, and I am confident that his experience and leadership will be of great benefit for the teachers and administrators who help educate and form students in the Catholic schools throughout this archdiocese.

Please join me in thanking Kathy for her dedicated service, and in welcoming Matt into his new role. May God bless them and all the Catholic school educators in our archdiocese with the graces they need to be faithful ministers to the young people entrusted to their care.