Trends and fads come and go. One thing remains steady: our faith in Jesus Christ.

This faith is the firm foundation of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn and throughout the world. The mission of these schools is to form future generations of faithful and well-educated Catholics, teaching them about the beauty and richness of our faith.

Here in the diocese, we have begun another new school year. Thousands of young children have returned to their classrooms with enthusiasm, ready for another year of learning and growth.

The growing commitment of parents in Brooklyn and Queens is yet again clear, as more than half of our Catholic schools have seen an enrollment increase from last year, according to diocesan officials. This is also a testament to the extraordinary commitment of teachers, priests, and education leaders in the diocese.

Academics are only one aspect of Catholic education. Our schools strive to educate the whole person. They provide intellectual, human, and spiritual formation to their students. This approach allows them to grow not only in knowledge, but also in faith, character, virtue, and love of God and neighbor.

At the heart of this mission is forming our children for a lifelong commitment to the faith. We teach our young people to know Jesus Christ, recognize his presence in their lives, and understand that God has created each of them with dignity, purpose, and a vocation. That foundation of faith affects the course of a young person’s life forever.

We pray that our students will always remember that they are sons and daughters of God, created in his image and likeness.

Catholic education helps them discover the person God is calling them to be and strengthens the foundation on which they build their lives. As faithful parishioners of the Diocese of Brooklyn, we must work together to make Catholic education available to more young people and more families.

The cost of Catholic education requires real sacrifice. Our support can help ensure that families who desire this formation for their children have the opportunity to receive it. We are especially grateful for the many individuals and organizations who help make Catholic education possible. Through Futures in Education, Angel Scholarships, local parish scholarships, and the generosity of benefactors, families receive financial assistance that can make the dream of Catholic education a reality.

To all those who contribute to these efforts: thank you. Your generosity is an investment in a child’s future and a commitment to forming the next generation of our Church.

When parents make sacrifices to send their children to a Catholic school, they recognize that there is something present in our classrooms and hallways that is worth the sacrifice.

Think of Jesus’ parable of the pearl of great price. Upon finding a pearl of extraordinary value, the merchant is willing to sell everything he has in order to possess it.

Catholic education asks us to recognize something of extraordinary value as well. Our treasure is found in the students of our Catholic schools.

As this new school year begins, let us pray for all of our students, that they may grow in wisdom, knowledge, and faith. Let us pray for their parents and families who make so many sacrifices for them.

And let us pray for our teachers, principals, clergy, religious, staff, benefactors, and all those who work each day to make the beautiful gift of Catholic education a reality.