To Teach as Jesus Did:

Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee

April 8, 2016

"Catholic Schools in the Year of Mercy:  Comforting the Afflicted"

This month the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s focus for the Jubilee Year of Mercy is the Corporal Work of Mercy, “Comforting the Afflicted.” Please take a few minutes to watch this fascinating video in which Father Ken Omernick, Archdiocesan “Missionary of Mercy,” describes how learning the “secrets” of others in a mystery writing class impacted his appreciation of the importance of mercy.

Year of Mercy: Comforting the Afflicted

As you are aware, April is also Child Abuse Prevention Month, with April 17 – 23 designated as Safe Environment Week.  It seems appropriate that the theme of protecting our children coincides with our archdiocesan emphasis on “comforting the afflicted” this month. 

Certainly we acknowledge that we must work together, especially but not only during this designated month, to increase awareness about child abuse and neglect.  We also recommit ourselves, as Catholic school educators, to doing all we can to promote the social and emotional well-being of children, youth, and families in the safe and nurturing environment of our Catholic school communities.

In all our Catholic schools, during this month of April, let us join with our brothers and sisters throughout the archdiocese in living out the Corporal Work of Mercy, “Comforting the Afflicted” by:

• encouraging students to participate in the contest sponsored by the Safeguarding All God’s Family Office.  This contest challenges students to create a poster / video/ Flipagram illustrating the ways in which they have lived out the Corporal or Spiritual Works of Mercy.  Safe Environment Poster Contest
   
• paying attention to the needs and burdens of others, especially the ill, the lonely, the isolated, and the weak, and extending our hearts and hands in mercy. 
   
• praying daily and specifically for those who are afflicted because of abuse or neglect, especially children. 

A blessed Jubilee Year of Mercy to all!
 

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