To Teach as Jesus Did:

Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Date goes here

“Catholic Schools:  Sustained by Gospel Witness”

As we conclude Catholic Schools Week 2022, it’s fitting that we turn our attention in thanks and admiration to all of you, our 2500 “Gospel witnesses” in the 101 Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee:  teachers, school leaders, and staff members who daily bring the Gospel to life in our midst.

It’s an understatement, of course, to say that the past two years have been challenging.  In truth, these times have tested the stamina, creativity, and spiritual grounding of everyone responsible for the welfare of others.  But each of you, in every area of the archdiocese, has continued to lead the way into a hope-filled future by relying on the beauty and depth of our Catholic tradition, by ensuring that innovation is embedded into curricular and co-curricular programming and planning, and—above all—by your daily recommitment to the integration of faith, culture, and life in your school communities.

Sustained by Gospel Witness, one of the Defining Characteristics of Effective Catholic Schools, https://catholicschoolstandards.org, reminds us that the work of Catholic educators is, at its essence, a vocational call to participate in the evangelizing mission of the Church.  “A Catholic educator is a role model for students and gives testimony by his or her life and commitment to mission” (Benedict XVI, June, 2005; The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools, p. 53.) 

In the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, for the past 18 months, as Catholic educators you have indeed given witness by the outpouring of your lives, day by day, at home and in classrooms, to the meaning of pure sacrifice and of abundant love.  In the most adverse circumstances, you have “fought the good fight” and continued the race (2 Tim. 4:7.)  Please know that your legacy of sanctity and service will endure forever.  

Gratefully in Christ,

Kathleen A. Cepelka, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Catholic Schools