January 29, 2023

Dear Friends,

It’s one of my favorite weeks of the year: National Catholic Schools Week! This week, coordinated by the National Catholic Education Association, is a recognition of the special place of Catholic education not only in our Church but also in the greater society. This year’s theme is Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community. 

Here in the Diocese of Richmond, we are very blessed to be united in faith with parishes, priests and a bishop who truly support Catholic education. Their active support of our mission is evident not only in what they say, but also in what they do. I am also grateful to those parishes that do not have a Catholic school at their parish but support Catholic education. Our schools serve to evangelize children and families and cannot do so without strong support throughout the Diocese.

Catholic schools have changed a lot over the years, but we remain steadfast in our pursuit of academic excellence. We maintain a 99% high school graduation rate with 98% of those graduates being accepted by a college or university. Additionally, our graduates received over $25 million in grants and scholarships last year. 

Our students succeed because they receive an education rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, where Catholic doctrine and values, and academic excellence prepare each student for a life of faith, service and integrity. Our administrators, teachers and staff not only have great academic credentials but see their roles as ministers in education. They have answered a call to the vocation of teaching, and we are blessed for their commitment.

Interested in Catholic education? We invite you to visit one of our Catholic schools across the Diocese. Many will have Open Houses this week so it’s a great time to stop by. Making Catholic education as affordable as possible is a major priority for the Diocese of Richmond. To that end, we offer a variety of scholarship opportunities. For more information, please go to DiscoverCatholicschools.org.

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Richmond provide quality educational opportunities through the lens of our Catholic faith. Thank you for your continuing prayers and support, and happy Catholic Schools Week!

In Christ, 

Jennifer Bigelow, Ed.D.

Interim Superintendent