Greetings!

Last week, Pope Leo published his Apostolic Letter Drawing New Maps of Hope to mark the 60th anniversary of Gravissimum Educationis. The letter reminds us that Catholic education must never be a “nostalgic refuge,” but rather “a laboratory of discernment, pedagogical innovation, and prophetic witness.” In it, Pope Leo calls us to draw maps that help us navigate today’s shifting landscape with courage and fidelity to the Gospel.

To educate, he writes, “is an act of hope and a passion that is renewed because it manifests the promise we see in the future of humanity.” We accompany young people as they learn not only to think but to love, to discern, and to recognize the image of God within themselves and others.

He goes further, inviting us to avoid an education that separates reason from desire and the intellect from the heart. True formation unites both, allowing knowledge to be enlivened by empathy and truth to be tempered by mercy. This integrated vision finds an echo in Archbishop Etienne’s encouragement to become peacemakers.

Remembering the invitation from Pope Francis, he calls on us to be people formed by the Beatitudes, rooted in prayer, and committed to the slow work of listening, patience, and mercy. Both remind us that the renewal of Catholic education begins in the renewal of the heart. When we teach with hope, when we lead with peace, we participate in God’s work of renewal.

Our Catholic schools endure not because they cling to the past but because they chart the path forward, helping every student find their way toward the promise that God has already placed within them. It is a good reminder that, as Pope Leo writes: “The world needs this form of hope.”

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Many in our community are facing uncertainty in light of the current government shutdown, and several of our partners in mission have reached out seeking support for those most affected. This week, I want to draw attention to two such partners. For those looking to engage your school or parish community in charitable drives during this holiday season, you may consider supporting their efforts as a concrete expression of solidarity and hope.

St. Francis House – Seattle

Our partners at St. Francis House are seeing unprecedented numbers of neighbors seeking help, some days as many as 200 people. Their donation hallway and pantry shelves are nearly empty. Executive Director Amy Sagerson shares that they are especially in need of warm coats for men and women, non-perishable food, jeans, and shoes for men.

Schools or parishes wishing to support their efforts can coordinate local drives or special collections to help replenish their shelves during this critical time.

Contact: Amy Sagerson, Executive Director

amy@stfrancishouseseattle.org

King County Community Partnership for Transition Solutions (KCCPTS)

KCCPTS has launched an Emergency Fall Harvest Drive to support vulnerable families, especially those impacted by incarceration, who are facing food and household instability amid the government shutdown and uncertainty around federal assistance programs.

From November 6 to December 20, they will collect non-perishable food and household essentials through donation bins placed in participating schools. Their team will handle all logistics, including pickup, sorting, and distribution to local food banks and re-entry housing sites. This is a simple, high-impact way for schools and parishes to engage students in service and solidarity this season. For high schools, it also offers a meaningful opportunity for students seeking service-learning hours to participate directly in the work of mercy within their communities.

Contact: Liem V. Ly

KCCPTS Emergency Fall Harvest Drive

LVLY.Reentry@Gmail.com

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Our friends and partners at the Roche Center for Catholic Education at Boston College are looking for parents in Catholic schools, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic, to share their experiences and perceptions on how their school communities work with them for the education of their children. They recognize that it is an especially vulnerable and uncertain time for school and migrant communities, and assure all participants that all information collected will be anonymous and strictly confidential. The survey will take about 30 minutes to complete and the first 800 parents nationwide who participate will be compensated with an Amazon gift card.

If you are willing to participate, please complete this form. Once the form is completed, they will provide the school leader a unique survey link and communication in both English and Spanish to use with families.

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We highlighted de-escalation training at Pastor-Principal meeting last month. Please see below for an upcomign offering at St. James Cathedral.

De-escalation and Personal Safety Training

Nov. 8 | 10 a.m.-noon | St. James Cathedral

Parish staff and hospitality ministers are invited to learn preventative measures, interventions, effective verbal approaches and safety enhancements for parish life.

De-Escalation Training

With gratitude, 

NICHOLAS FORD | Superintendent

Office for Catholic Schools | Archdiocese of Seattle