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 | Various Contributor Responses Compiled by the Editor

Discover Catholic Schools Week Feature

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Parishes

As a parish member, I have seen the Catholic school enrich our parish life spiritually and affect how lively an event can be. You see school families attending mass together. This enriches the community and witnesses the power of people coming together to worship.  Debbie R. Santos, St. Victor

Students

All the teachers at Queen of Apostles are kind, generous, and passionate about what they do. They make me want to pay that energy forward to my classmates, friends, and family. Alex Lefort, Queen of Apostles

An experience that has helped me become more caring and involved is service hours. Volunteering in the community has raised my awareness of problems and issues and has motivated me to be more involved. Jessica Bulanon, St. Lucy

St. John the Baptist Catholic School has taught me important values, like caring for others and loving Jesus. I've been singing in the school and church choir since first grade, which I'm really proud of. Chelsea Marie B. Dace, St. John the Baptist

Parents

As parents, we are encouraged to see the spiritual growth in our children as they participate in campus ministry and retreats. These encounters spark deeper conversations about their own faith. This confirms our hope that our kids have a spiritual journey of their own and that God is taking care of them.  Manuel and Rory Dominguez, St. Francis High School

Watching my two sons grow spiritually through Catholic education has been an amazing journey. This is not just attending mass on Sunday; They embrace their faith daily through activities like vacation Bible camps, service trips, and campus ministry.  Holly Perez, Parent, Holy Family, and Archbishop Mitty

Having a principal, teachers, and staff who lead by example was crucial to our decision to choose St. Joseph of Cupertino. Being part of this smaller Catholic school community allows us to know and communicate with the staff and families in ways we never could elsewhere. Margery Tonna, St. Joseph Cupertino

Donors

Being a donor to St. Clare School is a way to extend and sustain our connection with the ministry of the school. We recently accompanied a parish family seeking a Catholic education for their children. Witnessing this coming to fruition for them has been a rewarding experience of stewardship for us. John Sullivan, St. Clare

Our counselor makes a profound impact by creating a safe space for students to develop emotionally and spiritually. We are grateful for the donor support that allows our St. Lawrence community access to this vital resource that nurtures the well-being of our learners.  Christine Frea, Principal, St. Lawrence

Educators

Between our broader Silicon Valley culture, students' personal lives, and the transcendent questions of faith, my own spiritual life is stretched every day. I am so grateful to be part of a centuries-long and rich Catholic tradition of education. Sigrid Jacobsen, Archbishop Mitty High School

Teaching in a Catholic school has guided me in becoming a better person and a stronger Catholic because working with our youth provides daily opportunities for me to have more meaningful, faith-filled encounters centered around spreading Gospel Values. Ardina Morallos-Jarrett, St. Leo the Great

I encounter God’s love and grace in the school community through the deep friendships I’ve formed, both as a teacher and a parent. We share moments of laughter, tears, and everything in between, grounded in a standard set of values and faith. Erin Mansuetto, St. Christopher

Alumni

The groundwork for my life was laid by those I was fortunate to have in my life as a child, and it has stayed with me through the years. The encouragement each student received certainly had a positive effect on all of us lucky enough to have attended St. Justin. Joe Bauer, St. Justin

Thirty-five years after graduation, I’m proud to say that serving others is one of my core personal values. I try to show kindness and compassion in both my professional and personal lives. As a mother of three, I have tried to instill these values in my children. Christina Mireles, Presentation High School

Community

I have received the school's philanthropy through working with them at the local food pantry. St. Mary School enriches our community by encouraging the students to be compassionate and responsible members of society.  Vicky Martin, St. Mary, Gilroy