Faith Across the Ages: Why Catholic School, Why now?
You may have read our most recent blog about one family’s Generations of Faith, which featured a grandmother and her 20+ grandchildren who are part of Catholic education. That blog post prompted another grandmother to share her story.
“I admire [her]. It takes great strength to profess your beliefs like she does,” said Nebraskan Deb Richter, talking about one of her granddaughters, currently in residence at the John Paul II Newman Center. “And that all started in her Catholic grade school, where they planted the seeds of faith for her—and we’ve gotten to see her really bloom in high school and now college.”
In total, Richter has four children and 14 grandchildren, all in ArchOmaha Catholic Schools from Omaha to Hartington, and one of which is currently discerning to possibly become a nun.
She also shared a story about one of her other grandchildren who was very sick with cancer as a small child. She credits his recovery to great medical care and to diligent prayer. It’s faith first for everyone in this extended family. “Catholic school is so important that we have all sacrificed to make it happen and continue the commitment.”
The conversation about how Catholic school is different, and how transformative it is, continued.
Indeed, in our schools, students get to practice being articulate, reasonable, and hope-filled individuals, learning facts about the world and also how to see the world through the lens of our faith. Students graduate our schools well-rounded and ready for life beyond. In listening to Deb describe the personalities of each of her family members, you could really see that to be true.
If you went school by school, class by class and grade by grade, you would get to see the exceptional behavior and excellent academics on display but you’d also notice students treating each other with respect and kindness.
Not to mention all the activities outside of the classroom offered for students to experience. Richter alone has grandchildren involved in robotics, athletics and many other clubs as well. Each of our schools has a diverse and unique offering of student activities.
When asked, “in your own words, what’s the value of a Catholic education?” Deb, getting slightly emotional, replied, “Priceless. You can’t put a price on it.”
She says she’s ever-grateful to Skutt Catholic High School (Omaha), St. James Seton (Omaha), St. Margaret Mary (Omaha), Christ the King (Omaha), East Catholic (Hartington), and Cedar Catholic High School (Hartington) specifically, for educating her grandchildren through the years!
If this interests you for your own family, stop in or call your local Catholic school and check out our school finder.
