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In Catholic schools, hope defines our identity and makes a difference in the culture in which we live — Louis De Angelo

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Priests concelebrate Mass during "Spirituality Day" at Saint Mark's High School Aug. 21. Dialog photo/Don Blake

The message of Pope Francis for this Jubilee Year, found in Romans 5:5, reminds us that “Hope Does Not Disappoint.” This Scripture quote finds no clearer expression than in Catholic school education. But, before describing this quote in relation to Catholic schools, let’s clarify what hope is and is not.

Hope is one of the three theological virtues, along with faith and love, which empower us by God’s grace. Taken together these three gifts provide the foundation upon which all virtuous action is built. Hope is not wistful dreaming or fanciful wishing about what may, could, or might be. It is real, critical and integral to the life of every Catholic school student, parent and educator.

In Catholic schools, hope defines our Catholic Identity. We are educators and students who live in hope that who we are is evidenced by whose we are. Our Catholic Identity is present in prayer at least four times daily, complemented by Mass during the week, adoration of the Eucharist, devotions throughout the year and an environment that promotes learning and living the faith. Jesus is with us each day, each moment, in every place in a Catholic school. This hope makes a difference in the culture in which we teach, learn, and live in Catholic schools. We live in hope that what we do brings each of us and all of us closer to the reality that the kingdom of God is in our midst.

In Catholic schools, hope is woven throughout our solid and challenging academic programs. National test results, college acceptances and scholarships awarded are but a few ways we demonstrate that our students not only meet but also often exceed curriculum expectations set forth as standards for academic excellence. The integration of artificial intelligence into instruction, the host of course offerings connected to real-world problem solving and amazing co- and extra-curricular programs found among all 29 elementary and secondary parish, diocesan, and independent Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wilmington bring hope to reality.

Louis De Angelo
Louis De Angelo

However, it is not these sterling attributes alone that make our Catholic schools special. What distinguishes them from other fine academic institutions is the “why” behind all of the academic opportunities. This “why” is hope, that is, the conviction that today’s learners are tomorrow’s leaders grounded not only with knowledge, skills, and abilities, but also with a moral conscience to know that they are emboldened and responsible for a better world by being the change the world needs.

In Catholic schools hope manifests itself in service to others. At times this service is to the last, the least or the lonely. At other times it is the kindness needed by a friend, the listening a young person awaits, or the assistance required of a drive, a delivery, or a decision. Hope does not disappoint those most in need or even those with only a small need because hope is the motivator for genuine and encompassing service. Hope builds the kingdom of God through the contribution of time, talent or treasure one small act at a time.

Hope is clearly the banner for Catholic school education. As Pope Francis shared with the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 2022, “We know that the ‘way,’ the truly new path, is Jesus Christ. By following him, by walking with him, our lives are transformed, and we in turn become leaven, salt, and light.”

This is the “hope that does not disappoint,” the hope in which we live in Catholic school education.

Louis De Angelo is superintendent of schools in the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington.