Catholic Schools, INVEST IN A GOOD THING. The Whole Church s Responsibility

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1 Annual Report INVEST IN A GOOD THING Catholic Schools, The Whole Church s Responsibility The Diocese of Worcester has a long and faith-filled history of spreading the good news of the Gospel. Integral to that evangelizing mission is our Catholic schools for Christ is our teacher who offers us the words of truth and everlasting life. Today his teaching mission endures in those he sends. Centuries separate us from that initial group of followers who were sent as witnesses, but nothing separates us from Christ and what he asks of each one of us. You will be my witnesses are words that echo in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:8) which presents an account of the early Church. Today we live in an increasingly secular society which is often at odds with our Christian message and values. Within that frequently challenging environment, our Catholic schools stand as a proven instrument for passing on the faith. We can be proud of the breadth of the effort, the extent of the achievements, and the depth of commitment that are so evident in the many people who work and volunteer in the Catholic schools within the Diocese of Worcester. However, as much as they do and for all the sacrifices that they make, the people involved with Catholic education cannot do it alone nor should they. Catholic schools are the responsibility of the whole Church. We can look at the future of Catholic education with hope, confidence and enthusiasm but also with the knowledge that we bring something to those we teach that no one else can. For, while providing excellence in education, we share the story of Jesus. I am pleased once again to express my sincere gratitude in this Annual Report to our benefactors and parishioners for their assistance in the great cause of Catholic education. It is in that same spirit that I encourage your continuing support in this year s Catholic Schools Appeal. With every prayerful wish, I remain Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, S.T.D. Bishop of Worcester

2 perspective Catholic Schools, Christ-Centered Learning Worthy of Your Support Members of the family of Christ are called to do great things and to freely accept special responsibilities. One of those duties is to ensure the future of our faith, and it is in that spirit that we provide you with this Annual Report as we begin our Catholic Schools Appeal. At the same time, every Catholic school is called to meet the high standards which the People of God expect. Catholics know that there exists no other environment in today s society where students are presented with the teachings of Jesus Christ in virtually every activity from the morning prayer to the final bell at the end of the school day. That essential Christ-centered environment is what sets Catholic schools apart and what makes them worthy of your support. Visitors to Catholic schools are quick to acknowledge a very special atmosphere animated by the Gospel spirit. It manifests itself in excellence at many levels. Immediate evidence of that spirit can be seen in the eyes of the children as well as from highly dedicated teachers and administrators, pastors, parents and grandparents, and volunteers from all walks of life who devote themselves to the great endeavor of Catholic education. The academic results are so impressive that national educational experts frequently marvel at what Catholic schools manage to achieve year after year. In a nation properly concerned about educational results, Catholic schools consistently attain impressively high graduation rates in which those graduating students go on to college and then pursue active and successful professional lives. Beyond academics, Catholic schools practice outreach to the poor and needy in ways that leave 2 Catholic Annual Report Schools Annual Report

3 a lifelong mark with students. The combination of faith, knowledge, and service develops personal qualities of responsibility that create the foundation of the Catholic Church for the next generation. The spiraling costs of education make your gift more essential today than ever before. Today, some 7,500 children who are enrolled in Catholic schools throughout the Worcester Diocese depend upon your generosity. Nineteen percent of those applying for financial assistance report incomes below the poverty level. That number in one school alone was 24%. You are a central part of our mission. While tuition is higher than we wish it were, it would be even higher if it were not for you. You may not be able to become directly involved with Catholic schools, but your support makes it all possible. An investment in Catholic schools today ensures the The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. future of our Faith tomorrow. Because we know how important that is to you, we feel confident that you, as a member of the Mystical Body of Christ, will respond as generously as you are able. For the thousands of children enrolled in our Catholic schools, we thank you! Sincerely, Delma L. Josephson, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools Luke 10: Board Chair: Mrs. Mary Lou Anderson, Ph.D. Mr. Paul Covino Rev. Stephen M. Gemme Mr. Timothy Griffin Mrs. Carmelita Johnson Rev. Peter Joyce Ms. Margaret A. Kirkendall Mrs. Patricia Marmen Mrs. Margaret McKenna Mr. M. Marcus Moran, Jr. Mrs. Elizabeth W. Morse, Esq. Ms. Barbara Nealon Mrs. Patricia A. Smith Ms. Barbara Spence, Ph.D. Mr. David E. Surprenant, Esq. Diocese Catholic of Worcester Schools Catholic Annual Schools Report Office

4 our schools We can look at the future of Catholic education with hope, confidence and enthusiasm Faith Faith formation is at the heart of the Catholic school. It begins with the belief that everyone is made in God s image. A Catholic school environment places special emphasis on daily prayer, on the sacraments, and on the study of religion. By embracing a Catholic identity rooted in Gospel values and centered in the Eucharist students prepare themselves to fill a critical role in the future of our Church. Administrators, teachers, and staff serve as role models of faith and service and place the highest priority on demonstrating how Catholic life is fulfilled through virtue and social justice. Knowledge Academic excellence is the hallmark of Catholic education. Ninety-eight percent of Catholic school students graduate from high school and 100% are accepted into college. The rigorous curriculum in the Catholic schools has resulted in accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges of all our diocesan high schools and 90% of our elementary schools. Professional Growth for Teachers Education never ends for Catholic school teachers. Ongoing professional development programs offered by the Diocese are supplemented by evening courses offered at area universities We share the story of Jesus. In preparation for Holy Week, St. Bernard s freshman Religion class performed a Living Last Supper as depicted in the painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. 4 Catholic Annual Report Schools Annual Report

5 throughout the school year and through the summer. The Role of Religious and Lay Teachers The Worcester Diocese is blessed with religious and lay teachers who dedicate themselves completely to the students under their supervision. Working cooperatively with parents in the best interests of each child, they share the responsibilities of Catholic education in a spirit of mutual respect. Service Catholic schools are at the heart of everything the Church does. A first time visitor instantly recognizes something distinctive about Catholic schools. Rather than concerning itself with forming a rugged individual moved to compete with others and win at all costs, Catholic schools foster a spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood which includes every student. The spirit of that internal community, inspired and compelled by the teachings of Jesus, makes each student acutely aware of the wider community and the need to reach out to the poor, the sick, and the needy. So it is that each Catholic school becomes deeply engaged in programs designed to offer assistance wherever needs exist with the larger community. Pastoral Involvement Effective pastoral involvement fosters positive relationships between families and the local parish. They recognize that the sacramental life of the school is essential to the future of the parish. Called to do great things. We accept special responsibilities. One of those duties is to ensure the future of our faith. Technology Evidence shows that effectively using technology as part of teacher-facilitated instruction results in high performing students. With less time spent on drilling in math and science, teachers can devote more attention to cultivating a student s capacity for reason and higher level thinking. That proper use of technology promotes a sense of community and humanizes social learning in keeping with the richness of Catholic intellectual tradition. The end result is that students enjoy researching in all academic areas including science, mathematics, and the basic elements of engineering. In utilizing technology, Catholic schools never lose sight of a deeper purpose in teaching that which makes us human and our capacity for reason, for love, and for a relationship with God. Catholic Schools Annual Report Diocese of Worcester Catholic Schools Office 5

6 the numbers Town/City Total Students from Town/City Cost per student by Town/City Savings to town/city from students choosing Catholic school Fitchburg 436 $12, $5,426, Gardner 191 $11, $2,114, Leominster 423 $13, $5,522, Milford 107 $12, $1,306, Millbury 105 $12, $1,354, Northborough 119 $12, $1,466, Shrewsbury 628 $10, $6,784, Southbridge 164 $13, $2,167, Uxbridge 127 $11, $1,465, Webster 319 $12, $3,965, Worcester 1,904 $13, $24,972, Other* 2,715 $12, $33,351, Total annual taxpayer savings $89,898, Saving Worcester County Taxpayer Dollars *The other refers to the total number of students attending Catholic schools from other cities and towns. Source: mass.gov In Gratitude Scholarship Programs, School Year Your generosity helped 741 students receive financial aid totaling $933, through Partners in Charity, Forward in Faith and the Adopt-A-Student Programs. In addition, 597 Central Catholic school students received assistance in the amount of $1,174, from individual school scholarship programs. Parish, regional, and independent Catholic schools also provided assistance. Adopt-A Student 8% Thank you for your generosity. St. Peter Central 2% Forward In Faith Endowment 19% Partners in Charity 17% St. Bernard's 3% St. Peter-Marian 29% Holy Name 22% 6 Annual 6 Catholic Report Schools Annual Report

7 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Catholic schools explore life, earth, physical sciences, mathematics and technological design. This develops scientific literacy in every student and opens pathways to STEM careers. While STEM principles have become a model for all Catholic schools, one of our diocesan high schools is the only Catholic school in Massachusetts fully recognized as a STEM school and one elementary school even serves as a national model for the Wilson Reading Program. Fine Arts Fine arts play an important part in every Catholic school because of our belief that God has endowed each of us with special talents. The significance of art, music, and drama allow students to recognize their individual special gifts, and leads to an appreciation of the creative talents of artists in many places, cultures, and time periods. Sports Because Catholic schools believe in educating the whole person, students learn the value of teamwork through athletics and the importance of playing hard but always by the rules. That s what draws so many people to watching exciting Catholic teams compete. Catholic schools teach students that winning gracefully and losing with dignity are valuable lessons in everyday life. Beyond that, each Catholic student athlete is expected to behave as a peer model for others to emulate. A long and faith-filled history of spreading the good news of the Gospel. Diocese Catholic of Worcester Schools Catholic Annual Schools Report Office

8 annual report Diocese of Worcester Catholic Schools Office 49 Elm Street, Worcester, MA Presorted First Class Mail US Postage Paid Worcester MA Permit No 552 A tradition of continued success