Catholic school commitment goes beyond the school day

by Sr. Betty Larson, OSB

The new school year opened for the Catholic schools of the New Ulm diocese on September 2nd. Students were warmly welcomed back by dedicated and enthusiastic administrators and teachers. The enrollment for the schools in the diocese this year is 2,991. This is a decline from our last school year.

Why the decline? There are many factors. In some areas businesses closed or restructured forcing people to move on to find other work. Tuition has increased in some schools and with the economy as it is, this has a negative effect. Also, the population in most of our communities is declining. However, we still have a very strong and healthy Catholic school system. How can this be?

The source of the strength of our schools is the strong commitment of our teachers, administrators and other staff members. These people view their job, as a ministry — and are dedicated to form the students in their care in the mind of Jesus.

These teacher’s and administrator’s are working for considerably less money, and yet their commitment goes beyond the school day. They go the extra mile without counting the cost. They are a blessing to our diocese and to the schools in which they work. This year, four new principals joined the elementary schools of the diocese. They are Sister Ramona Fallon, OSB, John Ireland School in St. Peter; Bill Berning, Holy Family School in Silver Lake; Chris Olson, St. Anthony Elementary and Holy Trinity Middle Schools in New Ulm; and Sandi Kollar, St. Peter School in Canby.

The theme for the Catholic schools of the nation for this year is: Catholic Schools: A Faith-filled Future. As the schools of the diocese join the schools of the nation, the future of our youth will be faith-filled.