Dear friends of Catholic schools,
We are filled with excitement as we embark on a new academic year with a renewed sense of purpose. Our schools continue to buck the national trend of Catholic school enrollment, having experienced a 7.23% increase in enrollment since the 2020-21 year. This means we have the daily opportunity to provide 6,456 students and their families with a transformative encounter with our Lord.
Going out on mission
This year, the final year of the National Eucharistic Revival, is dedicated to the Church “going out on mission.” “Just as the Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.” (Jn 6:57).
Catholic education is a profound gift that allows us to encounter the living God and grow to know and love Christ more deeply. Pope Francis has said, Catholic educators are, “called to nurture the desire for truth, goodness and beauty that lies in the heart of each individual, so that all may learn how to love life and be open to the fullness of life.” Our Catholic schools are not solely places of academic instruction, but communities dedicated to drawing young people into the transformative power of the Gospel and nurturing them in the sacraments and virtues. In this past year alone, as reported by 26 of our 31 schools, our school pastors celebrated more than 1,274 Masses with students, heard in excess of 8,638 confessions, and provided opportunities for at least 7,596 hours of adoration.
Our 500-plus leaders and teachers are fueled by a vocational call to Catholic education. They are ever ready to learn and grow to better support our students. Our Back-to-School Kickoff featured West Catholic High School alumnus Father Peter McCormick, assistant vice president of campus ministry at the University of Notre Dame. His message, “We Are His Witnesses,” further equipped us to preach and proclaim Jesus Christ. As a result, we are on fire and on mission.
Growth in evangelization
With an enrollment increase over last school year, this 2024-25 school year makes a 4th year of growth in our Catholic schools. Your support, including personal promotion of our schools has helped us achieve this growth and we are grateful. Even better, there’s still time to enroll! Our admissions team is happy to help you make a change for your family. Get started here.
We are entering the second year of our Catholic Schools: Bridging Faith & Future Strategic Plan. One area of focus is to expand educational opportunities for those seeking a Catholic school education. We are excited to share that Bishop Baraga Academy opened in August. The Academy has infant and toddler child care and preschool with plans to add a K-5 microschool. As the only Catholic school in Newaygo County, the academy is serving families who have long-desired Catholic education. St. Robert School in Ada continues to grow, enrolling its first ever 6th grade class.
As announced in May, I will retire as superintendent at the end of this school year. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with our dedicated school leaders, teachers, parents, and the community. Together, over the last 14 years, we have accomplished so much and the momentum of our mission continues to increase. I find joy in knowing that our mission to prepare students to seek and fulfill God’s plan is alive and well. It is my ongoing prayer that our vision for an alliance of Catholic schools expanding outstanding educational ministry will continue to inspire and contribute to the evangelizing mission of the Church.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you in the mission and ministry of Catholic schools.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
David Faber
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
As shared in the September FAITH magazine (with the most up-to-date enrollment numbers). Click here to access the full September issue.