Catholic Schools Week

This week is Catholic Schools Week in Boise and across the United States.  It is a time to celebrate and appreciate the opportunity to attend a Catholic school.  Catholic schools have a long and interesting history in our country.  Almost simultaneously Catholic schools originated from Franciscan missionaries in Florida and Jesuit in the middle colonies.  As the United States progressed from colonies to states, the school’s needs and objectives evolved.

In the years following the American Revolution, the country, being predominantly Protestant, structured the schooling and curriculum on the teachings of the Protestant Church.  This was at times done at the expense of the Catholic children looking for and education.  In response to the threats of prejudice, Catholic Church leaders decided to start their own schools to ensure a proper education founded in the beliefs of Catholics.

Between the 1830s and the 1960s, the number of schools and students increased.  By around 1965 Catholic schools in America reached its all time high with more than 12,000 parochial schools.  In addition, close to 50% of all Catholic children attended a Catholic School.  In 2006, the number of schools is about half of that and the percentage of Catholic children attending Catholic schools is closer to 15%.  Although this may seem like a significant drop, about 40% of all Catholic schools have a waiting list for incoming students and the needs in suburban areas continues to be high.

In Boise, we are truly blessed to have 4 parochial schools and a Catholic high school.  It seems appropriate this year’s theme for Catholic Schools Week is “Faith, Academics, Service”.  We are lucky to be part of a school which embraces our faith as we establish high academic standards and promote a community focused on providing service to others.    

What do you think about your Catholic education?  What would you say to someone who was interested in sending their children to St. Joe’s?  

Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, January 16 we are remembering the life and teaching of Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the United States.  While we each may enjoy a day off of school, we do not want to lose the purpose of commemorating his life and his impact on the United States and the world by taking the day for granted.

Martin Luther was born in Atlanta, Georgia.  He was the son, grandson, and great grandson of Baptist ministers.  While he initially was reluctant to accept his inherited occupation, during his time at Morehouse College, Dr. King began to learn how to use his devout Christian beliefs and his natural ability to gather people to promote the ideas of social change.

As his life continued, he actively engaged in the promoting the civil rights of African Americans and the social changes so long overdue.  While the civil war ended nearly 100 years prior to Dr. King, it was not until the 1960’s that America began to recognize the equality of African Americans. 

The teachings of Martin Luther King are as relevant today as they were 40 years ago.  Even though we have taken great strides as a country, we still hear and see acts of prejudice and bigotry in our society.  While we strive for equality and tolerance, we know there is still hate in the world.  Dr. King would encourage us to seek out acts of hate and intolerance in the world and find peaceful solutions to promote the human spirit.

In addition to Monday being a day for remembrance, it should also be a day of action.  A day dedicated to doing something to promote humanity and discourage intolerance.

The following is a link to the King Center.  The website includes many interesting and thought provoking ideas, including a biography of Dr. King and the history of the holiday.

http://www.thekingcenter.org/

What do you think Dr. King would think of our world today and the changes the country has undergone?  Can you think of situations in our world today where intolerance and prejudice exist?  What actions are you willing to take to promote the human spirit and the ideas of tolerance, acceptance and forgiveness?

Year in Review 2011

At the end of each year, many people and publications take time to reflect on the significant events which shaped the year.  We like to remind ourselves of the inspirational events and people that may have touched our lives.  We remember the tragic situations which made us stop and pray.  We hold in memory those we have lost and smile at the thoughts of those that made us laugh. 

Reflection is important in life.  Not to dwell, but to learn.  We use past events to find solutions to the problems of today.  The following events, both the good and the bad, inspired, baffled, and made me smile.

Global Events

Tsunami in Japan

The Royal Wedding

The political unrest in northern Africa

The deaths of Osama Bin Laden and Sudam Hussien

Entertainment

The release of the last Harry Potter movie

Kim Kardashian’s brief marriage and quick divorce

U.S. Events

Death of Steven Jobs

The Occupy Wall Street protests

The continuing economic troubles

10^th Anniversary of the September 11^th attacks

150^th Anniversary of the start of the Civil War

Events in Idaho

Education Reform

Execution of Ezra Rhodes by lethal injection

St. Joe’s Events

8^th Grade Boys win Hallissey

The completion of the school expansion

The retirement of Mrs. Violette and Mrs. Anchustegui

Personal Events

My daughter starting high school

Getting my own classroom

Bell’s Palsy

What events were the most significant to you in 2011?  Why?  What are you looking forward to in 2012?