Video Transcript

My brothers and sisters in Christ,

To say that this has been an extraordinary time for our Catholic schools and the education of our children would be an understatement.  Never in modern history have we had to make such dramatic changes to how we educate children and young people.  These changes were implemented practically overnight, disrupting the normal routines of students, school personnel and families. But, by the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our schools and families forged ahead, strengthening their partnership in the education of our children.

I want to express my gratitude to the families of our Catholic School students for your partnership in the educational endeavor.  As the primary educators of your children, you know well the sacrifice entailed in sending your children to Catholic Schools.  Your sacrifice was broadened over the last few months as you worked together with your child’s school to ensure that learning continued.  I have heard the stories of many parents who found yourselves working from home, while assisting your children in their schoolwork.  Your commitment to your children’s education is a gift that will bear good fruit for years to come.

Just as families have had to adjust to these challenging times, so too our teachers, staff, and administrators. I am deeply grateful to you for your valiant efforts during this pandemic.  Practically overnight you were asked to completely change how you worked as educators. When your school buildings closed, you were faced with new challenges that tested your dedication and stamina.  You instantly became first responders in your own right, ensuring that the spiritual and academic needs of the children were met in whatever way possible.  Through technology, phone calls, drive-by parades, emails, and curriculum-packet assembly lines, you found creative ways to support the children of our Catholic Schools and their parents.  For all your efforts, I give praise to God for each of you and your selfless dedication to Catholic education.

When Pope Benedict visited America several years ago, he said to us, “First and foremost every Catholic educational institution is a place to encounter the living God who in Jesus Christ reveals His transforming love and truth.”  This is the primary mission of our Catholic Schools – to Encounter the Living Jesus Christ and make Disciples to transform the culture.

I am deeply grateful for your commitment to Catholic Education, and most importantly to our students and their families. In the face of this pandemic, you have forged a stronger partnership between parents, teachers, and administrators to assist our children and young people in discovering who they are and for what they are made. As St. Catherine of Siena said, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, I am pleased to announce I have appointed Domonic Salce as the Interim Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Domonic and I have discussed the importance of our schools adapting to this new normal, while never compromising our commitment to whom God is calling us to be.  Things may look different in the future, but guided by the Holy Spirit, and inspired by Missionary Saints like Elizabeth Anne Seton, Katharine Drexel and Junipero Serra, together we will forge a new path in 2020 and beyond, a path that will provide our children with quality Catholic education.

Please be assured that our principals and school staff, with support from the Catholic Schools Office, are working tirelessly to plan for the upcoming school year.  These efforts will focus on the health and safety of the children, their parents, and all who care for them while striving to maintain a vibrant community of prayer, love and learning.  I have great confidence in our school and diocesan leaders as they prepare for the start of one of the most extraordinary academic years in history.  Let us remember there is one constant in all this turmoil and change: Christ is with us. He is our teacher and guide, our courage and our song. Let us place our trust in Him as we walk together in faith.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Diocese of Phoenix, pray for us.

And may Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.