Catholic Schools Week 2025
This week, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week and the rich heritage of Catholic Education. We have the opportunity to help so many people to grow in knowledge of themselves, their world, and their God.
Consider what some of our great saints have said about education and the faith:
Regarding Teaching
“I consider that he who knows how to form the youthful mind is truly greater than all the painters, sculptors, and all others of that sort.” ~ St. John Chrysostom
Regarding Education and Holiness
“I would rather have learning joined with virtue than all the treasures of kings.” ~ St. Thomas More
Regarding the Soul
“The soul grows by learning.” ~ St. Augustine
Regarding Seeking Truth
“When you seek truth, you seek God whether you know it or not.” ~ St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
On Glorifying God
“Whenever you begin any good work you should first of all make a most pressing appeal to Christ our Lord to bring it to perfection.” ~ St. Benedict
Regarding Serving God Through Study
“Some seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge: that is curiosity. Others seek knowledge that they themselves be known: that is vanity. But there are still others who seek knowledge in order to serve and edify others, and that is charity.” ~ St. Bernard of Clairvaux
We are all students, we are all teachers, we are all living witnesses of God’s love. When we search and learn not for our own good but for the benefit of others, we open ourselves up to possibilities that we would never have thought existed. Filled with that knowledge and, dare I say excitement, we share what we learn with others.
When we take on the role of teacher, we need to remember that patience is an important virtue to embody. The one who is learning might greatly desire to learn but might have some problems grasping what we have to teach. Patience will reward them and us as we see them acquire new skills, new knowledge, and new confidence in self.
We are called to witness to God’s love. We are all — each and every one of us — teachers of the faith. It is not supposed to be left to a school or any particular person. God loves you, cares for you, and instructs you. Go and do the same to those you encounter each day.
FAITH ACTION: Live the faith with confidence and pride and share the faith freely with others.