Most Rev. Joseph M. Siegel
The Bishop’s Corner
As we observe Catholic Schools Week, it is important to reflect on why we have Catholic schools. After all, Catholic education is more than just a public school alternative; it is a comprehensive philosophy of learning that seeks to integrate faith, academics, culture and life. In an increasingly secular culture, Catholic schools continue to play a pivotal role in shaping not just “successful” students, but the “whole person.” With over 7,500 students enrolled in our 26 Diocesan schools, the Catholic educational system remains one of the largest and most influential non-state networks of learning in Southwest Indiana.
At the heart of Catholic education is the belief that every individual has a God-given purpose. Unlike many secular models that focus strictly on vocational preparation or standardized testing, the Catholic tradition emphasizes an “integral education” that addresses spiritual, academic, social and physical needs. This approach is rooted in the “universal” or “whole” meaning of the word catholic. The goal is to help students become saints by fostering a culture where they can realize that faith is a way of life, not just a set of intellectual or moral theories.
Our Catholic schools are renowned for their high academic standards and rigorous curriculum, which integrates religious studies along with the usual academic studies into a unified pursuit of wisdom.
Historically, our diocese has consistently been among the top performers on the ILEARN assessment among the other dioceses in Indiana. In the most recent ILEARN results, 13 of our schools ranked in the top 20 statewide for overall performance, and 15 of our 22 elementary schools achieved a 100% pass rate on the IREAD-3. These achievements, while not the only measure of a “good” education, indicate our care and attention for the intellectual development of every child on their way to holiness.
To assist with moral development, a generous grant from the Catholic Foundation of Southwestern Indiana provided textbooks on the Theology of the Body cost-free to our schools for grades K-12.
Catholic education is designed as a shared responsibility between the Church, school and family. Parents are recognized as the primary educators of their children, with the school serving to complement the faith formation begun at home. This close collaboration is vital to the success of our schools on every level.
Service is another hallmark of Catholic Schools. Students are encouraged to be models of justice, mercy and peace, participating in community service programs that help them develop social awareness and leadership. This emphasis on service is not merely an extracurricular activity but a direct expression of the Gospel, teaching students to value the inherent worth of every human person.
With the blessing of school choice funds provided to our parents by the State of Indiana, we are welcoming more non-Catholic students and families into our schools. This diversity has been an opportunity for evangelization and many children and families have entered the OCIA to be received into the Church. Far from watering down our Catholic vision, our schools have been more intentional about maintaining their unique Catholic identity. Teachers and administrators are participating in the Lumen Catholic School Accreditation Process, sponsored by the Catholic University of America, which puts much emphasis on Catholic mission and identity.
As we look toward the future, the mission of Catholic education remains constant: to form “visionaries and missionaries” who are grounded in a Catholic vision of the world and empowered to go forward to live and share their Catholic beliefs. By nurturing the imagination, instilling a love for learning and fostering a deep connection to God and the Church, Catholic schools are preparing students to face the world with faith, competence, compassion and a clear sense of purpose. For many of our school families, the sacrifice of resources and time is an investment in “Building a Future of Hope” ensuring that their children grow in a community where faith, truth and love are as fundamental as any academic subject.
I thank our parents and families for their commitment to the faith formation of their children and choosing to partner with our Catholic Schools. I am also grateful to the teachers and administrators in our schools and on the Diocesan level for their dedication, hard work and sacrifices to help provide an excellent Catholic education for our children. May Mary, the Mother God, intercede for us all, that together we may faithfully prepare the next generation of Catholic leaders in the Diocese of Evansville.