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Greetings!
As many of you held your annual Christ in the Classroom retreat with your communities over the last few days, we have been holding you in prayer in our office. Since our time in Seabeck, I have continued to reflect on what it means when we speak of the sacramental nature of our Catholic schools.
Pope Leo’s apostolic letter, Drawing New Maps of Hope, served as a reminder that Catholic education is never merely functional or technical. It is sacramental, that is, it is a visible sign of grace that forms the “very fabric of evangelization.” He describes our schools as a constellation: many charisms, many stories, gathered into one coherent design. That image has stayed with me.
In every classroom, in every teacher’s steady presence, and in the countless ordinary moments shared across our schools, the Gospel becomes visible in real time. We are not simply teaching content; we are revealing a way of living in communion, where each student’s face, dignity, and unfolding vocation are realized. This is the sacramental nature of our work, a grace made tangible in the life of a community, a sign that outwardly demonstrates why, as Pope Leo writes, “unity is our most prophetic strength.”
I pray that you and your school community experience a meaningful Veterans Day as we pause in remembrance to honor all who have served our nation.
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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
With gratitude,
NICHOLAS FORD | Superintendent
Office for Catholic Schools | Archdiocese of Seattle
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