Bishop affirms commitment to Catholic schools
Share
Bishop Michael W. Fisher kicked off Catholic Schools Week by affirming his commitment to Catholic education in the Diocese of Buffalo.
Father Gregory Faulhaber, pastor of Queen of Heaven Parish welcomes students of his school to a special children’s Mass to kick off Catholic Schools Week on Jan. 29. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Bishop Michael W. Fisher celebrates Mass at Queen of Heaven Parish. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
A student from Queen of Heaven School does one of the readings at Mass on Jan. 26. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Bishop Michael W. Fisher greets students from Queen of Heaven School as Catholic Schools Week begins. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira)
“As your bishop and shepherd, I voice my strong and passionate commitment and desire to make sure that Catholic education not only continues, but thrives in this diocese,” he said during Mass at Queen of Heaven Parish in West Seneca on Jan. 26. “We’ve been through many challenges, over the past few years, and we’ve seen some of our schools close. I do not want to see that happen. We need to strengthen our schools together.”
The bishop announced that a new strategic plan for Catholic education has been developed. The plans outlines the mission, vision and points of focus for diocesan schools. It also details academics, community involvement and finances.
“It is an important pillar and I want it enshrined in our Road to Renewal as a part of our Families (of Parishes),” the bishop said. “This is looking for new ways to finance our schools, and also to build enrollment, to build trust. It is a plan that will not occur overnight, and will involve continued cooperation, patience and communication. There will be mistakes I’m sure. There always is. If we do it together, I know we will move forward.”
He emphasized, “We do not have the option of doing nothing.”
National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. From Jan. 26-Feb. 1 schools will hold Masses, assemblies, events and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members to showcase the value of Catholic schools.
Queen of Heaven Principal Mary Damico thanked everyone who contributes to the success of Queen of Heaven.
“Faith, family and service. These are the hallmarks of our school,” she said. “Our students practice their faith on a daily basis in the classrooms. On a weekly basis, in our Masses and prayer services, and by service hours in the community.”
Recently 25 members of the class of 1969 gathered for a reunion. Along with reminiscing about teachers and favorite classes, the spoke about the human connections they made.
“The majority of their conversations with me though were about the friendships that they had made and how those friends and their parents are still like family to them today,” Damico said.
“Here at Queen of Heaven, it’s more that just a place to go to. It’s a place to call home.”
