“Because education truly forms human beings, it is especially the duty and responsibility of the Church, who is called to serve mankind from the heart of God and in such a way that no other institution can.”
—Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Pope Francis)
Each year at this time our country celebrates the contributions of Catholic education. We literally open our doors revealing promise and potential. I could cite numbers and accolades – testing scores, honor students, Blue Ribbons – but that would show just a shadow of who we are and what we aim to provide. Beyond facts and figures, we are families seeking to imbue their child’s education with Christ’s message of hope. We are faculty and staff who witness the Gospel in ways great and small. We are the moments of revelation in the Science lab or the religion classroom. We are the kind word spoken to a classmate. We are the teachers who spend extra time ensuring each child reaches their potential. We are every parishioner; supporting Saint James School through prayer and financial sacrifice.
For 112 years our school has been a strong, vibrant and relevant part of our community, here and beyond Route 7. Within its walls grow young men and women of faith and service. There is a popular Christian song, A Rightful Place, which has the lovely lyric: “Let us live our lives so that all might see that our hearts are restless till they rest in thee. Let us build your kingdom in truth and grace so that all might know they have a rightful place.” At Saint James School, the Kingdom of God is taking shape, motivating and enlightening generations. I am extremely grateful to our Principal, Sister Mary Sue, her faculty and staff for their efforts. They continue the work of countless men and women dedicated to educating and evangelizing our children. To our school parents of current and former students: thank you! We strive every day to earn your trust, confirming that you indeed made the right choice. And to you, my dear parishioners, whether or not you have ever had a child enrolled in our school, you are part of each student’s journey to their “rightful place.” For all this and so much more, may God continue to bless you.
I encourage you to stop by one of our Open Houses and see for yourself how we live up to our shared responsibility.
~Fr. Posey