This is the time of year that the Christmas decorations are almost gone (except those decorations which are frozen to your lawn), and Lent has not yet begun. Those of us who are oriented toward the Church, know that Lent is coming soon. This year the gap between the Christmas season and Lent is the shortest since 2008. Ash Wednesday is February 10, 2016.

Stella Maris Secondary School in Nkokonjeru is among the top-rated schools in Uganda. I’ve learned that girls who attend Stella Maris, some of our sponsored children among them, are said to have “climbed Nssube Hill”. This indicates not only where the school is situated, but that one has really accomplished something.  At CARITAS For Children, I see the opportunities we provide children living in poverty to get a quality Catholic education through our child sponsorship programs.  These children wear their school uniforms with great pride.  The quality of their education means much to them. Catholic Schools Week celebrates Catholic education in the United States but our Church is universal. Unofficially, I’d like to also celebrate the Catholic schools that participate in our child sponsorship programs.