August 18, 2014
Dear Catholic School Students and Families,
Welcome Back to the 2014-2015 School Year!
On Thursday, August 21st, approximately 16,300 students will be arriving to their campuses to begin another academic year. For most of you, that day will be an occasion to reunite with friends and classmates after the summer break! For others of you, however, that day may be your first day at a new school and the first opportunity to meet the classmates with whom you will be in class for the coming year. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers!
The 2014-2015 school year is another special year. In addition to it being the 2nd year of the Saint Katharine Drexel School Initiative, this year is also the 50th Anniversary of Queen of Apostles School and Saint Victor School, and the 60th Anniversary of Saint John Vianney School. Please allow me to convey my congratulations and best wishes to the faculty, staff, and student bodies of Queen of Apostles, Saint Victor, and Saint John Vianney schools as well as to the seven schools in the Saint Katharine Drexel School Initiative.
As many of you may know, throughout the school year, I am able to visit our schools. These visits provide me with the opportunity to meet the students and staff on an informal basis. I always enjoy these visits and look forward to them. Please encourage your principals or campus ministers to contact my office to arrange a visit to your school in the months ahead.
Before concluding this “welcome back” message, I want to once again convey to each of you my gratitude 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. At this time, I would also like to express my appreciation and support for your teachers! Each day I give thanks to God for our teachers, aides, principals, families and the many supporters of our Catholic schools.
In the meantime, let us remember each other in prayer. In particular, I will ask Our Lord to keep you safe, 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,
Sincerely Yours,
Patrick J. McGrath
Bishop of San Jose