by Susie Gibbons

“I thank my God whenever I think of you; and every time I pray for all of you, I pray with joy, remembering how you have helped to spread the Good News from the day you first heard it up to the present.” – Philippians 1:3-6

Since mid-March, when COVID-19 drastically changed all of our lives, I have been amazed at the work all 107 of our Catholic schools have done to continue Catholic education for every child in our care. This has been a monumental task that happened in what seemed like the blink of an eye through the efforts of many.

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
You are the primary educators of your children. You teach your children the importance of our Catholic faith in their lives that will serve them not only during their life on Earth, but also through eternity. Thank you for your love, perseverance, trust, support and partnership as you worked from home and managed your household, while also keeping your children on task with their Catholic education.

PASTORS, PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS, TUTORS AND SUPPORT STAFF
You are the people who continue to build the Kingdom of God while instilling our Catholic faith and values into all students. You are also the people who have worked countless hours caring and educating each student in your Catholic school. Your will, determination, dedication and tireless efforts helped all children to grow and succeed.

STUDENTS
You are the people who changed and adjusted to new ways of learning in a heartbeat. Thank you for hanging in there when your world was
turned upside down. Your hard work is appreciated and respected. You showed the world your faith and resilience. Congratulations to all
students on the monumental end of the 2019-20 school year. To the Class of 2020 who graduated in non-traditional ceremonies, carry your Catholic faith and unique memories with you as you embark on the next phase of your life’s journey.

The Catholic Schools Office will be watching for and sharing all information regarding the reopening of schools in Ohio. Please join me in praying for a cure and the end of the pandemic.