Dear Readers:
Each workday at noon the entire NCEA staff gathers together for prayer. In addition to scripture, we take turns selecting prayers that reflect what’s going on in our lives, around the country and especially with our Catholic schools.
Recently our prayers have focused on students, students’ families, teachers and Catholic school leaders settling into the rhythms of school days as fall sets in. We pray for students’ and educators’ safety, energy, inspiration, patience and especially faith—the core of all we do. Faith in the work we do to support the work you do is an important part of NCEA. I am lucky to work in an environment where faith is discussed freely, celebrated and nurtured.
Catholic schools provide a faith-based education in which students build and deepen their relationship with Christ. For all of us involved with Catholic schools, faith is a daily encounter to be shared with each other, with students and families to unite us as faith communities. Flowing from Catholic school leaders faith must make its way to the teachers, staff and volunteers before it can become the bedrock of the intended recipients—the students.
As much as we all work to be the role models students deserve, faith will come to each student as a son and daughter of God challenged to be Christ-like in all they do. In this issue, shared best practices are meant to help Catholic schools grow together with a common faith to guide us. At NCEA we pray your school year starts and remains strong. We look forward to serving you throughout the year.
Now is the time to plan for Discover Catholic Schools Week (DCSW), November 12 – 18. This year, the 24-hour fundraising event, Many Gifts, One Nation: A Day of Giving to Catholic Schools, is part of DCSW from November 14, 12 PM ET, through November 15, 12 PM ET. With FACTS as a partner, NCEA invites you to customize your appeal page (https://factsmgtadmin.com/login) and take full advantage of the Marketing Kit for Catholic Schools 2023 – 2024 (www.NCEA.org/csw) to make the most of the Day of Giving and for marketing tips to use throughout the entire school year.
Always the last Sunday in January through the first Saturday in February, Celebrate Catholic Schools Week (CSW) is January 28 – February 3, 2024. Catholic schools across the country exemplify the rich traditions of Catholic education where academic excellence marries faith, culture and life. There is truly a reason to celebrate Catholic school education all year, but especially during DCSW and CSW.
You’ll notice a new theme and logo for both DCSW and CSW, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” This theme and logo will be used for three years to help schools use and reuse products created and purchased to help celebrate DCSW and CSW.
Finally, NCEA continues to share resources, data and research, events, professional development, public policy and the good news of Catholic school education. We value you, our members, and keep you uplifted in prayer as we remain united in faith and community.