Classes in the Diocese of Davenport Catholic schools are underway in 13 elementary and five secondary centers. This year’s theme is “The Right Choice — the Diocese of Davenport Catholic Schools.”
Superintendent of Schools Lee Morr-ison challenged diocesan teachers at the opening in-service to show parents that they have made the right choice. “We have the right programs, the right values and the right class size where students are not just classmates but family.”
He also challenged teachers to make the diocese’s Catholic schools the answer to the following two questions: Who will educate my child to be a person of character and strength prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century? Where will I find the faith-based environment that will both nurture and strengthen my child so that he/she will grow academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically? Hopefully in classrooms in diocesan Catholic schools, he noted.
The theme for the faith formation portion of in-service training this year is: “Knowing the Story … the story of the Catholic faith.”
“We believe young people will more fully commit to things they understand. Therefore, our teachers and administrators must more fully understand the story of our Catholic faith,” Morrison said.
To strengthen that effort Morrison had Deacon Frank Agnoli, the diocese’s director of liturgy, make a presentation to the teachers on the new Roman Missal that will be introduced the first Sunday in Advent.
Finally, Morrison challenged teachers as they begin the new academic year to ponder: “What memorable events will you provide your students in the 2011-2012 school year that they will remember all their lives and that will make them supportive alumni in the future?”
