Sunday Reflection by Fr. John

CELEBRATING CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Jesus, Christ the Teacher, tells us as His disciples to teach that the Kingdom of God is very near. To bless and bring forth the children and youth unto
Him. Our Catholic schools and related     ministries want young people to believe that God’s grace is close at hand to help them on their journey of love. A theme of Catholic Education this year has been -- Walking  Together in Faith and Love. As we walk together as parents, families, parish communities and schools, we can become more aware of Christ’s teachings that young people need to hear and experience. The message that we can all support to send to our youth in our schools, churches and in our homes, especially in our local communities of Allegany and Olean in the presence of St. Bonaventure University, Archbishop Walsh Academy and Southern Tier Catholic School is that we support and walk with our youth to flourish in the Lord’s goodness to make good choices in life. We all want them to know that we support and affirm their good and life-giving choices and for them to understand and believe that forgiveness and love are readily available when they make mistakes. We can discover together to know and use the gifts that God gives us to be the hope of justice and peace in our world as we help teach and form  our youth to experience Christ as they strive to make a better tomorrow.

Please see page two to see how you can support our parish ministries involving instruction of our youth in our Catholic Faith. You are invited to use your gifts to support the following parish ministries by your active member participation, your financial  assistance and your prayers and Mass  intentions.
 
PRAYER FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Almighty God,
You sent forth your Son as a beacon of hope for all people. As a Teacher, He has given us the prime example of the importance of education. As disciples, we look to him for inspiration and strength. Thank you for the many people who have dedicated their lives in service to Catholic Education. Thank you for the teachers and administrators who sustain our schools. Thank you for the    parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and Godparents and others who have given support and witness to the importance of Catholic teaching.

Thank you for the students who work hard to further their education. Bless all our  Catholic Schools and ministries and the many people who advance this important mission. May our schools be a home for those who seek to grow in openness, faith, love, intellect and commitment to justice, love and peace.

In Your name and the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ the Great Teacher, we pray. Amen.
 
“Let us thank all those who teach in Catholic schools.             Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life.”                                                      — Pope Francis @ Pontifex