This week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, when all Catholic schools nationwide celebrate their many achievements and the fact that we continue to bring the Gospel message to students. Brophy is one of 1,205 Catholic secondary schools in the United States, so even in times of economic hardship, we have much to be proud of and to celebrate.
Catholic schools in the Diocese will be celebrating in various ways throughout the week. Select Brophy students will join representatives from each school at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral on Wednesday, February 1st to celebrate the Eucharist together. Following Mass we will attend a rally at the state legislature in support of Catholic Schools. Additionally, Fr. Olivier will offer the noon Mass in celebration of Catholic Schools. All are welcome to join him as we pray for the continued support and success of Catholic Schools around the world.
Below is a legislative update from the Arizona Catholic Conference which explains the importance of the legislative rally and in turn, legislation related to Catholic Schools. I invite teachers to consider ways to integrate Catholic Schools Week into your curriculum as you see appropriate (i.e. letter writing campaign).
Finally, we will have a Buck-a-jeans day on Friday, Feb. 3 to raise money in support of two struggling schools in the Diocese of Phoenix. The money will be used to purchase copy paper, which they have identified as one of their greatest needs.
Thank you for all you do to make Catholic education possible each and every day. Your presence and commitment are gifts beyond measure.
Happy Catholic Schools Week!
ARIZONA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (01/27/12)
Catholic Schools Rally Time!
The Tenth Annual Catholic Schools Rally will be held at the Capitol (Wesley Bolin Plaza) on Wednesday, February 1st from noon until 1:00 p.m. You are encouraged to join the Catholic Bishops, House Speaker Andy Tobin, Senate President Steve Pierce, and nearly 1,000 students, teachers, and parents to show support for Catholic Schools and school choice legislation.
Also, next week the Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference will make their annual trip to the State Capitol. As part of these meetings, they will meet with key elected officials as part of an effort to build relationships and discuss important issues facing our State.
While there are a number of positive developments going on right now in Arizona, it is also important to note the recent bad news from Washington D.C. where the Obama Administration has issued a decision demanding that sterilization, abortifacients, and contraception be included in almost all health plans. This action threatens constitutionally protected freedom that ensures respect for the conscience of Catholics and all other Americans.
The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops is currently developing strategies to challenge this decision and we should be hearing more soon. In the meantime, the most immediate action people can take is to send a message to Congress in support of a legislative fix (H.R. 1179 and S. 1467) to this problem by going to www.usccb.org/conscience. We will let you know as more develops on this important matter.
