August 19, 2013
Dear Catholic School Students and Families,
Welcome Back to the 2013-2014 School Year!
On August 20th and 21st, the approximately 16,300 students in our Catholic elementary and high schools will be arriving to their campuses. For some of you, you will be returning after the summer break, reuniting with friends and classmates. For others of you, you may be arriving to a school campus for the first time and facing the challenge of meeting new classmates and making new friends. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
I want you to know how grateful I am to you for all that you contribute to our schools and our local Church. Thank you for choosing to become involved in so many activities and programs outside the classroom. I also want to express my gratitude and support for your teachers! Daily, I give thanks to God for our teachers, aides, principals, families and the many supporters of our Catholic Schools.
Throughout the year, I am able to visit many of our schools. I always look forward to these visits as they provide me with the opportunity to meet the students and staff on an informal basis. Please encourage your Principals or Campus Ministers to contact my office to arrange a visit to your school.
The 2013-2014 school year is a special year. It is the first year of the Saint Katharine Drexel School Initiative and also the 50th Anniversary of Archbishop Mitty High School. Please allow me to convey my congratulations and best wishes to the seven schools in the Saint Katharine Drexel Initiative as well as to the faculty, staff, and student body of Archbishop Mitty High School!
In the meantime, let us remember each other in prayer. I keep you and your teachers in my daily prayer. In particular, I will ask Our Lord to help you with your studies and to help make this academic year a great year for all of us!
God bless you and your school community.
With every best wish and kind regard, I remain,
Sincerely Yours,
Patrick J. McGrath
Bishop of San Jose