The mission of Catholic education starts with parents

Over the next three weeks, we will begin welcoming Catholic school faculty, staff, parents and students as we begin the 2022-23 academic year!

In addition, we will also welcome students in our Parish Schools of Religion, RCIA and RCIC programs. It is hard to believe that summer is winding down. Please join me in praying for the safety and well-being of all of those entrusted to our care.

This summer, we have been busy planning and preparing for a productive and fruitful year. Catechists, teachers and staff members have participated in numerous professional development workshops and retreats. Additionally, many of our school leaders and parish catechetical leaders have attended conferences and taken advantage of opportunities for ongoing faith formation. I sincerely appreciate the dedication of our ministry leaders in our parishes and schools.

Recently, I had the opportunity to see our new Parish Catechetical Leaders (PCLs) during their orientation meeting. They were introduced to resources and offered support in coordinating and facilitating programs for faith formation in our parishes. I also gathered with our school leaders during our annual convocation. We began with a celebration of Mass by Archbishop Gregory Aymond, followed by a panel discussion and sharing of resources for Social Emotional Learning programs that align with our faith, specifically the cardinal virtues. In each instance, our time together was a gift!

As you can see from this Back to School issue of the Clarion Herald – and from the one published on July 23 (clarionherald-la.newsmemory.com) – there are many exciting things happening in our local Catholic schools.

In addition to these “exciting happenings,” we are happy for the return of events and activities to our campuses. For example, we are ecstatic that St. Michael Special School has announced the return of volunteers and community partners to its campus and the return of the Blue Rose Ball in September. In addition, our newest school community, St. Thérèse Academy, is growing by leaps and bounds. In order to accommodate the increase in enrollment, St. Thérèse Academy has moved to a larger campus, housed at the former St. Mary Magdalen school site.

Additionally, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Micro-School in Belle Chasse is creating a buzz in the community with an innovative model and instructional practices providing personalized learning that is helping students to thrive. Be sure to peruse this issue for more exciting news from our Catholic schools.

It is an honor to serve the families of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Special thanks to Archbishop Aymond and all of our pastors for their support of the ministry of Catholic education. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for your support of Catholic education, especially those who entrust their children to our care. Thank you for having faith in Catholic schools!   

Dr. RaeNell Houston is superintendent of the Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation.