Dear St. Alphonsus School Faith Community: 

The mission of American Catholic schools is one of divine simplicity:  to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and prepare our community for salvation. While accomplishing this mission, Catholic educators are also preparing students to be visionaries that ultimately are productive citizens who are able to communicate, through voice and actions, the message of Jesus; in other words, we are training the community to be disciples of Jesus.

In his book Parish School, Tim Walch tells us that Catholic schools were established in order to preserve the faith. Today, we face the very same problem. We live in a society where a dangerous apathy concerning faith is rising among all Christians, not just Catholics. Our society promotes anti-God concepts in the public schools. We have been stripped of our nation’s founding identity because of a minority’s discontent. However, Catholic schools today provide an environment of vibrant faith-filled color in a world of dull gray. Our schools provide a freedom to stand up and pray any time of the day and in any place. It is through the mission of our schools that our future can be transformed –through our young people.

Many people cannot afford to send their children to Catholic schools. My question is: How can we afford not to send our children to Catholic schools? After all, their salvation (and ours) is at stake! It is my duty as a minister in the Church to find a solution for this dilemma. If we don’t work together as a faith community, then no one else will. How can we face our Maker one day and not have made an effort to resolve this?

My personal mission as a Catholic educator is one that evolves on a daily basis. As I witness the power of the transformations that Jesus provides, I grow and I alter my mode of thinking. Of course, at the core of my mission is the desire to be as Jesus-like as possible in all aspects of my life. Sometimes, for me, this is a daunting task. Truly, it is my hope that others will see Jesus working through me and that I will inspire them to follow the teachings of our Lord. 
Yours in Christ,
Tammy Mabile