Values for a Lifetime

Last Friday, November 19th, I had the opportunity to visit the two Catholic schools that are most distant from our Archdiocesan office building in downtown Cincinnati. After driving for more than two hours, I visited Holy Rosary Catholic School in St. Mary's and Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Celina. For both schools, my visit was an eye-opener. Each school exists in a vibrantly Catholic area. They possess teachers, parents, and supporters who are wholeheartedly committed to their school.

At Holy Rosary, I was particularly touched by the sincere dedication of Fr. Tony Cutcher. If our Catholic schools are to succeed, we will need more pastors like Fr. Tony. He is energetically committed to keeping his school strong. With his principal and school community, he is spearheading a strategic planning effort that will allow Holy Rosary to thrive in the future.

At Immaculate Conception in Celina, I was awestruck by the magnificence of the Catholic campus. The church sanctuary was enormous and absolutely beautiful. The school itself encompasses three buildings, and includes a formal theater (including an amazing collection of costumes and props). Like Holy Rosary, the community seems wholly dedicated of the school. I was grateful to enjoy the fellowship of the students and teachers as I shared in the school's annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. The turky was delicious!

I have worked as a teacher and principal in inner-city, urban, and suburban Catholic schools. This is my first exposure to rural Catholic education. I have been struck by the voracity of faith that exists in our Archdiocesan heartland. From the welcoming spirit to the community pride, it is gratifying to see small towns truly rally around their local Catholic school. I emerge from my visit to these schools reinvigorated that we are doing "God's Work in God's Country!"