This week is Catholic Schools Week, and it will be celebrated at Central Catholic in Grand Island. As of this school year we have two students from our parish attending. The first in a very long time. They both report that they are doing well and love their new setting. By the support of the parish council, they are provided with $1000 tuition assistance. This will probably continue to be available to any future students from our parish. The last school year the tuition for 6-8 grades was $4470 and 9-12 $4945. There is also other financial aid and tuition assistance available by application. I want to put a plug in for Central Catholic. Catholic school played a huge part in my family’s journey to the Catholic faith. Seeking a better education option for the kids, we enrolled them in the local Catholic high school with no intention of becoming Catholic. It was there that I encountered a catechism and good witnesses. You know the rest of the story. I am also aware of personal affections for our school of graduation. Carol and I both graduated from the same public high school, and we have many memories and attachments. But we came to a place in life where we had to really evaluate what was happening to our children. In our situation, they were being exposed to influences that were not morally good, expressions opposed Christian views and sent the wrong message as to what proper Christian lifestyles should be. It was not an easy decision. We did experience painful rejection from our local school acquaintances. As time went by there were reasons to question our choice. But the long story proved it to be the best choice by far. Today as I write this, all 15 of our school age grandchildren are in that same school and thriving. Now I know as well as you that Catholic school have gone through very troubled times just like the Church. Many, if not most, are still in trouble. Many are barely recognizable as having any Christian influence at all. Many openly oppose Catholic moral teaching. But that is not the case with Central Catholic. It is genuinely Catholic! For the past 4 years I have served as chaplain. I have watched the administration and students. I am delighted to tell you of the spiritual growth I see progressing day to day. There is weekly all school Mass, (The kids kneel on the hard wood floor during the Eucharistic prayers! What’s that tell you?) They have an optional chapel Mass on Tuesdays. There is usually Adoration every Thursday with the opportunity for Confession. The Lord is present in the tabernacle in the chapel, open for the youth and staff to visit, which they do! There are stations of the cross in the hallways as well as icons of the saints. I can say more but I am out of space. I invite you to support our Catholic school! Yours in Christ our Lord, Fr. Sid.