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March 2, 2006
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Archbishop: 'It's time to dream again' |
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Tells Catholic school supporters
to prepare for more work, challenges |
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MARQUETTE CHOIR — Sue Sajdak, director of the Marquette University High School boy's chorus, directs the high school crooners during an appearance at the Archbishop's Scholarship Dinner Feb. 23 at the Pfister Hotel. (Catholic Herald photo by Sam Lucero) |
MILWAUKEE — Speaking to nearly 670 supporters of Catholic education, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan announced a strategic study and plan for Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and a capital campaign for Catholic education last Thursday.
The archbishop made his announcement at the Archbishop’s Scholarship Dinner at the Pfister Hotel.
While Archbishop Dolan did not announce specifics, i.e., time frame or monetary goal, of the plan, he said that when it is conducted, the professional study and plan must address issues such as:
• cooperation and sharing of resources;
• mergers and consolidations;
• possible new grade and high schools;
• twinning between solvent, stable schools and shaky, barely surviving ones;
• scholarships and tuition assistance;
• more creative marketing and development;
• the possibility of a Catholic technical high school to serve drifting and challenged teenagers;
• better service to poor children, African-American, Latino and Asian children.
“… and hold on to your wallets — because I’d bet every brat, kringle, fish fry and beer I’ve had the last three and a half happy years as your archbishop that this strategic plan will call for a capital campaign for Catholic education,” said the archbishop describing the effort as a bold one that will approach foundations, civic, business, and corporate leaders, Catholics and their neighbors who have been materially blessed and who believe vigorously in the value of the schools.
The archbishop’s announcement came on an evening when Catholic school supporters — through their presence at the dinner — had raised $121,000 for Catholic education.
The event, previously dubbed the Catholic Schools Dinner, had been held at Marquette University. But as event chairman, Jesuit Fr. Robert Wild, president of Marquette University pointed out, the university had been proud to host a smaller version of the event in years past, “but I see you’ve outgrown the space at the university. It’s terrific to see so many people here.”
Under the direction of Capuchin Br. Bob Smith, archdiocesan director of the Department for Educational and Formational Services, the event changed venues, doubled its attendance and topped the $100,000 fund-raising mark.
The evening featured musical performances by Catholic school students, including violinists from St. John Vianney, Brookfield, the Marquette University High School choir and pianists Riley Pinkerton of St. Charles School, Hartland and Porter Pavalko, of St. Francis Borgia School, Cedarburg.
The archbishop presented four awards to people involved in Catholic education. Recipients were Franciscan Sister of St. Joseph Mary Bertina Rapnicki, who served as principal of Holy Rosary School, Kenosha for 28 years;
Erica John, member of St. Jude Parish, Wauwatosa, and president and CEO of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Supporting Fund;
Jeff Monday, principal of Messmer High School since 1997;
Ed and Bridie Mooney, members of SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Milwaukee, volunteers dedicated to many archdiocesan ministries.
Sportscaster Wayne Larrivee served as master of ceremonies for the evening, and proudly spoke of the solid education he said he received in Catholic schools in Lee, Mass. Saying that every child deserves at least the opportunity for a Catholic education, Larrivee reminded the audience that while in the cities, Catholic schools may be flourishing, those in the suburbs that often coexist with strong suburban schools with many resources should not be forgotten.
In announcing the strategic study of education in the archdiocese, Archbishop Dolan spoke of his belief in Catholic education.
He said about 18 months ago, while announcing his priorities for the archdiocese at a town meeting, one participant criticized him, “You seem hung up on Catholic education. You seem single-minded about Catholic schools.”
Rather than being offended by the comment, the archbishop took it as a compliment.
“I’m afraid my stock with him did not go up much when I replied, ‘thank you!’ What he considered a complaint, I took as a compliment,” said Archbishop Dolan.
“Since I’m from Missouri, the ‘show-me-state,’ I’m ready to prove that the high value I place on Catholic education is warranted,” he said, pointing to what he considers “the pearl of great price” in his life, the 24 years of his own Catholic education from grade school through university graduate work.
After listing some of the people and success stories for the more than 34,000 students in 121 elementary and 13 secondary archdiocesan schools, including the choice in education program that he described as the envy of the nation, Archbishop Dolan issued his “call to arms.”
“See, I could spend as much time extolling our Catholic schools as Brett Favre is taking in making up his mind about next season, but we have work to do; we’ve got challenges to face,” said Archbishop Dolan.
He said his call to arms is “that we start dreaming again. I’m tired of treading water, of staying in the shallow water. I want to listen to the Master, the Teacher, Jesus who tells us to ‘cast out to the deep.’”
Admitting there are reasons to have nightmares rather than dreams, such as staggering costs, unaffordable tuition, low enrollments and diminished Catholic identity, the archbishop said the memories of what we have done and the realistic appreciation of the great good our schools are doing dares us to dream again.
Noting that the capital campaign he is proposing will benefit all education and faith formation initiatives, including Saint Francis Seminary, campus ministry and catechetical programs, Archbishop Dolan said, “it will be mostly for our schools.”
In the coming months, specifics of the plan will be determined, such as how much must be raised, how can it be raised, who should direct it and how best can the money be spent.
“So stay tuned,” said the archbishop in closing. “I need you. The church needs you. Our community needs you. Our kids and grandkids need you.” |
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