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.
Besides my work at CARITAS, my other calling is as a deacon at the parish where my children attended school, so I’ve also seen Catholic education from the perspective of a father. Each year the enthusiasm for school seemed to wane somewhat; but come the end of January, something would energize my children. It’s Catholic Schools Week and the kids love it. The staff at my children’s school did their best to make it a fun week with themes like Pajama Day or Spirit Day and activities like the Student-Faculty Volleyball game, at about the midpoint of the school year. It is a welcome break for children at the end of January and it enables them to celebrate their Catholic School.
Mary Lwiza receives the sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion at Nkokonjeru Parish with her sponsor, Sr. Carolyne, Program Coordinator in Nkokonjeru for CARITAS' child sponsorship programs.
My wife and I with our son, who was a server for our daughter's First Communion Mass.
Although our African, Haitian, and Dominican friends might question our judgement about sending our kids to school in pajamas, I know that valuing a good education and caring for all of God’s people are among the aspects we have in common. I enjoy seeing the photos of our sponsored children when they make their First Communions and Confirmation. It reminds me of my own children’s milestones and of the universality of the Catholic Church.
Catholic Schools Week is a great time to focus on the importance of Catholic education and its role in shaping the spiritual and educational development of our youth. The future of our church!
