Superintendent Perda says schools have a vital ministry

By David Perda, Ph.D. | Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Catholic schools have long served as a vital ministry of the Church. In 2024, Catholic schools continue to provide young people with an academically rigorous education while at the same time cultivating Catholic values and sharing the traditions of our faith. Each year, I am encouraged to hear about the experiences of our schools serving as a vehicle by which non-Catholic students and families are introduced to Jesus Christ - sometimes leading to decisions by students and/or families to be baptized and join our worldwide Catholic community.
This weekend marks the conclusion of Catholic Schools Week, a nationwide celebration since 1974. This special week serves as a time to celebrate Masses together, hold events for potential new families as they consider enrollment, as well other faith–filled activities inlcuding Eucharistic adoration, organized prayers at Planned Parenthood, and many opportunities for students to participate in service to less fortunate.
The theme this year, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” comes at a time that should resonate with all Catholics in the United States both within and outside of school settings. In fact, one might make the case that in 2024, our unification around faith and community is essential. Wars, conflict and suffering have compounded the economic hardships felt by many families. Our country is divided on many issues. And these realities are not lost on children.
In addition to political and economic concerns, one cannot pick up a newspaper, peruse the internet or watch a television program without observing rapidly changing cultural norms related to moral issues. The examples are plentiful: gender identity, sex education, library books and story hours for children. We have read about and witnessed arguments or debate in the public square on these topics. The situation is exasperated as our young people are often times influenced by social media platforms which reflect this sea change. While TikTok videos, Instagram, Snapchat and other tools can be used in helpful and creative ways, media platforms like these need a counterpoint, especially for the growing minds and souls of young people.
In these times, it is therefore critically important, as Catholics, that we remain united in faith and be ever cognizant of our role in bringing others to Jesus. In educational settings, parents and guardians as primary caregivers interact with individuals in the school and those in the larger community. All are important and impact the development of a child. In a Catholic educational setting, we might think of a student’s family, teachers, school staff and volunteers, alumni and the parish family as having influence. Taken together, a child grows to make sense of the world, and traverses the paths of life, growing independent. When these influences are united around Jesus Christ and the values of the Gospel, you might say that we are in the zone of optimal Catholic development.
Societal influences inconsistent with our Catholic beliefs are unlikely to go away. A recent study from the Pew Research Center reports that the “nones” – a group of American adults who identify as religiously unaffiliated – make up approximately 28 percent of the adult population in the Unites States. While many of the “nones” reported believing in God or a higher power, only 10 percent attend religious services on a regular basis. If this phenomenon is the new normal and is an unflagging trend, what are the implications for society? What will become of our Church? What will it mean for the family structure? While the statistics from this research may be distressing to some, it is a call to all of us as Catholics to share the Christian joy we experience.
We must remember that our young people are the future of the Church. It is critically important that the larger Catholic community within and beyond Catholic schools authentically practice and uphold Catholic values. Navigating through today’s society requires a united front. The future of our young people and our Church may very well depend on it.