The letter to the Hebrews tells us that “faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1). That joyful realization of the many truths of our faith — that we are all called to know, love and serve God and neighbor and dwell before him for all eternity — is a great message that our teachers could greet students with on the first day of classes.

Just as Abraham “obeyed when he was called … not knowing where he was to go” (Heb 11:8), I encourage our students of all ages not to fear but to embrace this beautiful state in their lives. We grow in knowledge of our Creator when we learn about math, science, history and language: all the disciplines and studies of the world around us and its workings. We can vividly picture our beloved Jesus when we study theology and hear about the ministry of his life, death and resurrection.

We are also reminded of our obligation as Christians to evangelize in the Gospel of Luke, as Jesus taught, “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more” (12:48). When we are given the treasure of knowledge in our Catholic schools and journey to adulthood in higher education, we are obliged to share this knowledge outside the classroom with our friends, families and even those we might meet in passing.

Dear young people, teachers and staff, I thank you for what you are doing to bring Christ into the lives of others. I encourage you always to seek a deeper understanding of our faith, long after the school bell rings at the end of the day. May you be filled with the many gifts of the Holy Spirit to accomplish all things for the glory of Christ and his ministry of hope, peace, healing and abundant mercy.

“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day” (St. Thomas Aquinas).

In Christ’s love,

Most Rev. Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS

Bishop of Charleston