In many of our Catholic schools and academies, there is a sign in the lobby or another prominent place that reads: “Let it be known to all who enter here that Jesus Christ is the reason for this school, the unseen but ever-present teacher in all its classes, the model of its faculty, and the inspiration for its staff and students.”

Christ is the reason for our schools. The ultimate lesson that we want our students to know comes from Jesus. As important as state testing is, as essential as Regents exams are, as key as the continuing implementation of Common Core standards are, we are in the business not only of educating the mind (and we can be very proud of the standards of academic excellence that our academies and schools provide) but also the soul.

Religion in our Catholic schools and academies is not just one subject among many. It is the essence that must permeate all other subjects, every extracurricular activity, every moment of the school day and beyond. Students should know Christ Jesus through the actions and attitudes of school administrators, teachers, staff, boards and all those who are involved in the creation of our academies and schools. The Church takes seriously her role in education, both of our own children who are Catholic and those non-Catholics who attend our schools.

Our students should leave school daily knowing that they are loved by God the Father, saved by God the Son and sanctified by God the Spirit.

In this academic year, let us not forget the reason for Catholic education: to teach as Jesus taught, so that our young people can grow to know and live as Christ Jesus.