As Bishop, I often find myself on the road traveling to places throughout the diocese and elsewhere. I know my way around pretty well, but every now and then, a GPS is a handy tool. For young people navigating their way through the challenges of life, there is no clever electronic device that can instantly point them in the right direction. Thankfully, Catholic education assists parents and families in providing a great road map to get children and teens where they need to be.
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2025, I am especially proud of everything our Catholic schools offer. First and foremost, students are nurtured in an environment rooted in Jesus Christ. They experience the joy of loving and serving the Lord and each other, which builds a faith foundation they will carry with them forever. They also receive a cutting-edge education with state of the art technology to prepare them for personal and professional success. In other words, Catholic education in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is a complete education unmatched by any other option.
The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2025 is Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community. I thank and salute our students, families, teachers, administrators, staff, and pastors who embody that theme and lovingly support the great ministry and mission of Catholic education here in our local Church. I extend my continuing prayers and support, and I look forward visiting some of our schools throughout the week to celebrate that spirit of faith and community.
During this Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church, we are highlighting the theme Pilgrims of Hope. Indeed, our precious youth are pilgrims on the journey with us, and thanks to the blessing of Catholic education, no GPS is needed. This Catholic Schools Week and always, united in faith and community, may we join together to ensure that they are always traveling on the right road.
