One of the joys of being at Saint Joseph’s is being able to serve at a parish with a school. Seeing the dedication of our principal Kelly Roche and the great teachers who serve at Saint Joe’s, it goes without saying that our students are prepared not just for the 9th grade but on how to continue to grow in their faith on their lifelong journey.
This week, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week nationally. So what is it that makes Saint Joseph’s such a remarkable school?
For one, we have outstanding programs at all grade levels, Preschool through eighth. School students receive daily religious instruction and prayer, go to Mass each week, and also have opportunities to live out the faith throughout the year.
The core values of our school include:
Evangelizing- Our parish school possesses an evangelizing attitude that is inherent in our words, actions, and ministry reflecting that all of us are children of God created in God’s image and likeness.
Life Long Learning- Our parish school is dedicated to growing in our knowledge of Jesus through formal and informal education throughout our lives. We embrace opportunities for continual learning and strive for achievement in all areas of learning and life.
One in Christ- Our parish school is strengthened by diversity, a product of God’s creative wisdom. By expressing and utilizing our unique individual gifts, we are cultivating the Kingdom of God on earth.
Prayer and Worship – Our parish school values prayer and worship as a sacred means through which we deepen our relationship with God and one another. Our expressions of faith embrace tradition and a relevant message for 21st century Christians.
Respect for All People- Our parish school is committed to God’s commandment to love one another. We welcome and engage all who are served by our ministry. We interact with people, whether within or outside our school community, in a respectful, welcoming, and caring manner.
Service- Our parish school values and promotes service in living out our faith both locally and in our greater community. God calls and empowers us to use our gifts and talents for the benefit of others, especially those who are most in need.
With these values as our foundation, students are grounded in the faith and learn what it means to grow as a Christian.
Our academic curriculum is also outstanding, as students are taught religion, reading/language arts, math, science, social studies, music, physical education, art, Spanish and technology. Our reading and math scores are also consistently higher than the national averages.
There are also things that happen at our school that you see and experience every day. You see the kids caring and looking out for one another. You see teachers caring so deeply about them and going above and beyond what their vocation requires to go the extra mile. You also see so many parents volunteer and show their love for the school.
As I’ve said many times at our parish and in others, this is always “our” school in the sense that the school is part of the parish and the parish part of the school. Whether one has children in the school or not, all of us share in the mission of helping one another to grow in the faith, and the school is a mission that does just that. Thank you so much for the love that you have shown for Saint Joseph’s school over the years.
At this time we are looking at the school year of 2019-2020, and if you are looking at options for education for your children, please prayerfully consider our parish school. We do have financial aid available! You can reach out to our principal Kelly Roche with any questions, or to arrange a tour.
Celebrating this wonderful week, I’d like to thank all who support our school and please keep all involved in our school, from staff to volunteers to the students and alumni, in your prayers. We truly have something very special in our parish school – so let’s celebrate that not just one week out of the year, but every day of the year as part of our parish mission and identity.
God Bless
~ Fr. Paul