Bishops’ Education Committee Chair Sees Catholic Schools As Centers For New Evangelization

WASHINGTON—"Catholicschools are centers for the New Evangelization for families of a variety ofsocio-economic backgrounds and diverse cultures," said Bishop Joseph P.McFadden of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. "The unique atmosphere of our Catholicschools is a space and place where the New Evangelization can reach out toparents and children in a way that is respectful of the human person, presentsthe teachings of the Church, and supports family life."

BishopMcFadden, in a statement to commemorate Catholic Schools Week, January27-February 2, spoke of the New Evangelization. The statement is available at https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catholic-education/catholic-schools-week-parents-choice-for-the-new-evangelization.cfmThe New Evangelization is a church's initiative to revitalize Catholics so theyare equipped to reach out and spread the faith to others.

Bishop McFadden also stressedparents' "fundamental and inalienable right to choose Catholic Schools tosupport the faith formation and excellent education for their children."

"Catholic schools have a richhistory in supporting the work of on-going evangelization of the Catholiccommunity in the United States," he said. "For more than two centuries Catholicbishops, pastors and parents have educated children in parish and privateschools with the intention of offering the life giving Word of the Gospel in anenvironment that shows respect for the human person, the virtues of goodcitizenship and academic excellence."

Catholic schools in the U.S. educateover 2 million students every day. There are 151,395 teachers in over 6,841 K-12schools. Supported by the Church, parents and other supporters, the schoolsprovide an alternative educational system for Americans across allsocio-economic levels.

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Keywords: BishopJoseph McFadden, U.S. Bishops, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, newevangelization, Catholic schools, Catholic Schools Week

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