Dear Friends,
 
We are in a very exciting new stage in our parish life - we get to witness the merging of two schools very committed to the mission of Catholic education. The Light of Christ      Academy is a rare gift to our parish. Given my love of teaching and my strong conviction that a deeply Catholic education is the best kind of education available, I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity that we have as a parish community to support and grow our school. 
 
As I have said before, it’s no secret that Catholic education is in dire need of a renewal. Our schools have been suffering with regards to enrollment for some time now. Below are two of the principal reasons that I think we have a crisis in Catholic education:
 
1. Catholic Schools Have Forgotten Their Mission:
 
Desiring to be more competitive with public schools, many Catholic schools have focused all their energy on improving the non-faith based aspects of the school. Forgetting that the best education is one that integrates all aspects of the human person - body, mind, and soul - they abandon their adherence to the Faith to focus on mere information-giving and test-taking.  
 
2. We Are Too Career-Oriented: 
 
Both parents and schools base their decisions on future collegiate and career success. “How can my child best be positioned for success in the workplace?” But is that really the ultimate consideration? To have a child with a great job but poor human formation is hardly something to shoot for. To send them into our modern college environment ill-equipped to deal with the moral and spiritual challenges that lurk there is grave negligence. 
 
I’m happy to say with confidence that The Light of Christ Academy is committed to avoiding both of these pitfalls. It is very strong in Montessori and Classical education while being deeply committed to having a Catholic culture and identity. The most important thing a parent can do for their child is to equip them with a strong, Catholic formation and education. I go further to remind all parishioners that beyond being     important, it is in fact an obligation of Catholic parents to see to this.
 
I strongly encourage all of you who do not send your children to Catholic schools to come and observe what sets The Light of Christ Academy apart from anything you will find in our Diocese. From June 4th-6th    we will be hosting shadow days where your child can spend a day exploring what the school has to offer. Trust me, many of you don’t yet recognize how amazing it is that we can begin a renewal of Catholic education in our Diocese right here at our own parish! Please, call them to set up a shadow day for your child.
 
In Christ, Fr. Marotti