Dear Parishioners:
We begin Catholic School Week this weekend. It is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. Students from our outstanding Parish School are speaking at all Masses this weekend. There are events planned throughout the week at the school.
On Sunday, we begin with the OLM School Open House from 10:00 am until Noon. Everyone is invited to stop by the school and meet the students and faculty. Come and look around at all the great things happening in the school. On Friday, we end the celebration of Catholic Schools Week with Holy Mass at 9:00 am.
I recently read an article examining why parents choose Catholic schools for their children. Here are 5 common reasons parents choose a Catholic school education for their children. And why so many families choose OLM School and why we have a waitlist for admission.
First, parents believe their child's teachers should serve as role models of Faith and morals. A study by the CARA Institute at Georgetown University confirmed that "strong moral values" are why parents send their children to a Catholic school. Many parents who choose a Catholic school education want their child's education at school to be an extension of what they are taught at home. They seek positive influences on their child that mirror their religious beliefs and moral choices.
Daily exposure to the Catholic Faith is also an important factor for parents. Developing a solid Catholic faith foundation is fundamental to a good Catholic School. Daily prayer and Catholic faith lessons build a strong foundation for children who hopefully will become saints! Graduates of Catholic high schools are statistically more likely to continue attending Mass and remain involved in Church life as an adult.
In fact, a recent study by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops states: "Catholic school students are more likely to pray daily, attend church more often, retain a Catholic identify as an adult, and donate more to the Church."
A parish and school create a community for the family. Families with children in a parish school have an easier time developing a sense of community with their fellow parishioners through the many opportunities for prayer, worship, study, charitable works, and fellowship. This can be especially important for those without family in the area as their church and school become an important hub.
Catholic education is a relatively affordable private school education. Private school tuition can be expensive, but many Catholic schools and dioceses offer tuition-assistance programs for parish families needing help. Catholic schools offer high-quality academics. In fact, a recent study suggests that ninety-nine percent (99%) of Catholic secondary school students graduate, and eighty-eight percent (88%) go on to college. In general, on national and standardized tests, Catholic schools consistently outperform public and other private schools by as much as 20 percentage points. This is a great testimony to the importance and achievements of our nation's many Catholic schools.
At OLM School, we offer a first-class quality education based on our Catholic Faith. The truth of Christ and his Church is taught and lived out daily. Our excellent faculty teach every subject very well but also teach the Catholic Faith with integrity. Our Principal, Patrick McNabb, is our school's outstanding leader, and we are blessed to have him. The 248 students at OLM School are happy to be part of a community that offers academic excellence and arts, music, extracurricular, and athletics opportunities.
Our students thrive and excel in a disciplined yet loving and nurturing environment based upon the Faith and moral teaching of the Catholic Church. They do indeed strive to be saints and scholars every day! As the late Pope Benedict XVI said: "A good school provides a rounded education for the whole person. And a good Catholic school, over and above this, should help all its students to become saints."
Enjoy our student speakers this weekend, and please stop by the school for the Open House and join us for Catholic Schools Week! If you want more information, go to the school website at olmschool.org. Be well. Stay safe. Do good. God Bless!