The Catholic schools in the Diocese of El Paso would have to rank high among these blessings.  The 200-plus teachers serving in El Paso’s Catholic schools are dedicated to ensuring that over 2,200 students receive a superior education.  But because we are Catholic, there is much more value added. 

Our schools are working to form students, not just intellectually and physically, but also spiritually and morally.  Most importantly, we want to inspire our students to become saints.  We know that our teachers are fulfilling a ministry and are educating the future leaders of our Church.
 
Catholic schools are an important part, not only of our diocese, but also the greater El Paso community. Learning to serve others is integrated within the curriculum, and the importance of service is not lost upon our graduates once they leave our schools.  The impact our alumni have made is evidenced through the work of our city’s ordained religious, medical professionals, educators, civic leaders, and mothers and fathers.  
 
As the U.S. Bishops have emphasized, “It is the responsibility of the entire Catholic community—bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and laity—to continue to strive towards the goal of making our Catholic elementary and secondary schools available, accessible, and affordable to all Catholic parents and their children, including those who are poor and middle class.”  

Because of the generosity of so many donors and their belief that a Catholic education can have a positive impact on both a child and family, our schools, the Office of Education, and Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso are fortunate to be able to grant scholarships and financial aid to thousands of students, so they can attend one of our Catholic schools. I ask that you please continue to support their work so more children have the opportunity to obtain a Catholic education.
 
Catholic schools first came to the El Paso area in 1879.  I am grateful to the countless educators, volunteers, and benefactors who have played a part in sustaining and growing our schools.  I pray that our schools will continue to flourish as we enter into the next hundred years of our diocese in order to fulfill the mission of the Church and to help form and nurture more saints!

Most Rev. Mark J. Seitz, D.D.
Bishop of El Paso