September, 2007

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the new “OC Catholic Schools website. Communication is vital to all of our efforts on behalf of your children. In an effort to strengthen and support communication between home and school, we have launched this new website http://www.occatholicschools.org. (It can also be accessed through the website of the Diocese of Orange: http://www.rcbo.org, where you will also find important information and resources about the Catholic Church in Orange County.) We hope that each of our schools will eventually create a direct link between their webpage and ours. This new website will help you to be more aware of events and policies that affect our Catholic schools. It will provide important contact information and should enhance our collaboration in your role as the first teachers of your children.

Welcome to the 2007-08 School Year! Thank you for choosing a Catholic education for your daughter or son. All forty-two (42) Catholic schools of the Diocese of Orange are genuinely committed to providing our students with an experience that is holistic and inclusive. I am confident that our principals and teachers will provide compassionate direction as they seek to open new experiences and horizons through the experience of learning. I hope and pray that the year ahead will offer your student academic advancement, personal growth and spiritual enrichment.

Light the Way! The NCEA (National Catholic Education Association) has established a theme for this school year: Catholic Schools Light the Way. Catholic Schools provide leadership to our nation and community, by producing graduates who will light the way to a brighter future for all humanity. This theme reminds us of our spiritual foundation in the Gospel of Jesus. "The Way" is a term used in the Bible to describe the decision to follow Jesus as disciples. We are each called to "light the way" to the kingdom for others, as we walk "the way" of discipleship and grow in faith.

At this year’s “Back-to-School Convocation,” it gave me great joy to announce Bishop Tod Brown’s special plan for financial support to the most challenged schools in our system. In a fourfold plan of debt relief, tuition assistance, administrative support and strategic planning, he is generously using resources of the diocese to invest in our future. Indeed, he is ‘lighting the way’ as he demonstrates his heartfelt commitment to our important work of education.

CSI - Diocese of Orange. CSI is the name of our new quarterly newsletter about Catholic education in our diocese. That’s “Catholic School Information,” not “Crime Scene Investigators!” It will be published in September, November, January and May. Parents will be able to access the newsletter for important updates and information at the Catholic Schools website.

Learning Our Faith, Loving our Faith and Living Our Faith. Last year, our Diocese celebrated the 30th Bishop Brown marked the occasion by promulgating his important pastoral letter, Learning Our Faith, Loving our Faith and Living Our Faith. The entire text can be found on the diocesan website or requested from the Office of Faith Formation. Our bishop is reminding you and me of our own personal responsibility to continue to grow in the faith that is being taught to the students in our Catholic schools. We cannot teach the faith to your children unless you are involved!Please read Bishop Brown’s letter, set an example for your children by your own regular Mass attendance and work with us to build the church of tomorrow! Anniversary of our foundation as a local church.

Communication. I would like to say that this year will be the one without any conflicts or difficulties! That may be overly optimistic. We welcomed nearly twenty-thousand (20,000) students through the doors of our Catholic schools this Fall. We promise to offer each one of them an education that will prepare them spiritually, academically and personally for the world that awaits them on graduation day. That is a big task; some challenges and misunderstandings are inevitable. Let’s all work together, communicate openly and keep the big picture in focus. Good communication with your student’s teacher(s) and principal will make this a successful year! If you have a question, need or concern, call the appropriate individuals at the school to discuss the matter. It is surprising how often a call comes to our office about a matter that has not yet been directly discussed with the teacher or principal. Open communication is the best way for you to support your student’s educational experience! I pray that we will each have the patience, grace and vision to face every challenge which may arise with an attitude of service and understanding. Best wishes for an enriching and successful school year in 2007-08!

In Christ our Savior,

Fr. Gerald M. Horan O.S.M

Vicar of Faith Formation