I am honored to announce to you that, in December of 2016, Archbishop Hebda and the entire corporate board of the Church of Saint Agnes approved an important document identifying and explaining our school's Philosophy of Education. This culminates the work of many individuals who carefully reflected on and put into writing the most essential elements of what Saint Agnes has done and intends to continue to do as a Catholic school.
Why, after 125 years of educating thousands of young people, is this kind of a document needed? In short, there are three reasons.
First, every institution, every business and, in fact, every human being must have a good sense of self knowledge. We must know who we are and what our ultimate goal or purpose is. With this Philosophy of Education, Saint Agnes School has set the very crucial goal of helping our young people to develop the gifts God has given them in every aspect of their life: spiritually, mentally, physically and socially. All the while, we realize that what is most important for the young people entrusted to our care is that they attain eternal happiness with God in heaven.
Second, in today's world there are many and varied understandings of education. For example, some believe education is only for job training; others see education as merely training in societal rules and tolerance. There is also disagreement on basic principles such as whether there is truth. We assert there is truth and it can be known.
Third, having a clear and agreed upon Philosophy of Education allows everyone involved with the success of the school, from parents to faculty, to have a common starting point from which to begin the great work of forming the hearts and minds of our young people to be more like Christ. Assuredly, if we are not working together and for the same purpose of following God's will, then we are working against each other and against God.
Over the course of the next couple of months I will publish this document in segments using both the parish bulletin and school newsletter. Along with the excerpts, I will occasionally offer a short commentary.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge those who have had a part in the researching, thinking, discussing, reflecting, writing, re-writing, critiquing and editing this Philosophy of Education. Faculty and staff have had key input but it is fitting to identify individuals who joined me in spending countless hours in what was a sometimes exciting and sometimes tedious labor of love: Jim Morehead, John DeJak, Michael Adkins, Karl Hendrickson, Patrick Menke, Jean Houghton and Kevin Ferdinandt. Lastly, I thank Fr. Welzbacher who carefully read through this document as the official Censor Librorum and offered much valuable assistance.
"The greater danger for most of us isn't that our aim is too high and miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."
~ Michelangelo
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Mark Moriarty