Search
-
January 26, 2023
Catholic Schools Week Jan. 29 - Feb. 4
Beginning Jan. 29, Catholic schools in Oklahoma and across the nation will be celebrated for their commitment to faith, service and excellence during National Catholic Schools Week.
The National Catholic Educational Association, the organization dedicated to supporting Catholic school administrators, teachers and students, explains that the Catholic school, like the Catholic Church, is not a building or an institution; it is the people.
The NCEA, which serves as the voice for Catholic education, assigns a different theme to every day of National Catholic Schools Week. Each day is dedicated to celebrating one of the many facets of Catholic education.
At Saint Mary Catholic School in Ponca City, the dedication to educating the whole person in mind, body and spirit is evident in the degree of sacrifice and dedication of the staff.
Principal Wade Laffey lists smaller class sizes, more individual attention and greater accountability as a few attributes of Catholic education; however, he believes it is the focus on Christ that puts the educational aspects into perspective.
Laffey explained that schools in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, including Saint Mary, “are run by individuals who absolutely believe in the mission and purpose of Catholic schools.”
Parents of students in schools across the archdiocese are seeing the benefits of a well-rounded Catholic education; one that goes further than academics alone.
Lacey Bixler and her husband Josh have two children who are students at Christ the King Catholic School in Oklahoma City. Lacey, who attended public schools, was struck by the lasting friendships her husband made while attending Catholic schools.
“I realized before we had kids that the bonds my husband formed with friends seemed to last, and were rooted in their faith,” Bixler said. “I wanted my kids to have that sense of community and understand the importance of God in their lives from a young age.”
Bixler also noted the quality of education her husband received in Catholic schools seemed to be better than what she received—not just the academic aspect, but also through the inclusion of religious education as part of the curriculum.
While Bixler’s initial idea for her children’s education was more fluid, she quickly decided that educating them in a Catholic setting was the best choice for her family.
“One of my kids has special needs,” said Bixler. “I cannot tell you how much the entire school family has embraced him. The teachers, principal and staff are so kind and truly wish for my children’s success.”
The love and compassion that has been poured into her children, along with the sense of community, is something she considers priceless.
“I thank God for blessing us with Christ the King and its community,” Bixler stated. “I can’t imagine our kids anywhere else.”
Learn more about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City at archokc.org/schools.
Sally Linhart is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Photo: Students from St. Mary Catholic School in Ponca City. Photo provided.
