This week, we express our gratitude for those who dedicate themselves to education. Whether in our Catholic schools or public and private institutions, teachers play an essential part in forming the whole person as they shape not only what students know but who they become.

Teaching is often more than a profession but truly a vocation. Educators have the responsibility to guide, nurture, and inspire the young people in their classrooms. This career is one way in which men and women answer God’s call to serve others. Teachers embody virtues our Catholic faith calls us all to strive for such as patience, love, fortitude, and diligence. Living out these virtues assist teachers in helping students to grow intellectually, morally, and spiritually, on a daily basis.

“Our teachers are the most important part of our Catholic schools,” said Christopher Pastura, superintendent of Catholic schools. 

“Their persistent dedication, day in and day out, transforms small children into young adults, full of faith and confident in the future. Teachers give their knowledge and wisdom, but more importantly, they give their hearts to the students they serve. To all of them, I say thank you for having the courage to dedicate your lives to our children and the future of our Catholic faith."

In our Catholic schools, our teachers strive to teach the academics while also nurturing the heart and soul of every student who walks into their classroom. Students are led to see the world through the lens of truth, beauty, and goodness, growing both academically and spiritually. Catholic education not only prepares students for success but forms them as disciples who contribute to the building up of the Church.  

In a special way this week, we give thanks for all teachers and the lasting impact they leave on the lives of their students. Each one of us have been impacted by a teacher in our lives which can inspire gratitude for those who teach today. As a community, we can respond to Teacher Appreciation Week with gratitude. This is an opportunity to offer a note of thanks, a kind word, or a simple prayer to teachers in our lives and remind them their work is seen, valued, and appreciated.

“During this Teacher Appreciation Week, I give my sincere gratitude for the dedication, patience, and faith you bring into your classrooms each day,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes. “You are not only educators, but mentors and witnesses to the faith. Your work has a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and our Church, and for that, I am deeply grateful.”

We thank God for the gift of our teachers. May He continue to guide, bless, and sustain them in their work, and may we never cease to recognize the gift that our educators are to our schools, Church, and lives of our children.

For more information about our Catholic schools, click here. 

For more information about Teacher Appreciation Week, click here.