I consider it a high privilege, and a joy, to get to speak with school faculties. In this past week, I had the opportunity to be with dedicated professionals from 2 schools in my home (Arch)diocese of New Orleans–St. Rita’s in Harahan and St. Philip Neri in Metairie. I also had the extreme honor fo being ask to present to the faculties of all the Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Nashville.

I am so in awe of what teachers in (Catholic) schools do today. Teaching is a vocation and an art. The demands and expectations are high, the rewards are low and the results are not always readily evident. I know I remain impressed with the fine people who teach Megan, my daughter. And to know that there are so many others across the U.S. who go out and not only share information but do so out of a faith-based value system gives me hope and support as a parent.

For all of you out there who do teach, I thank you and wish you a year filled with REMEMBERING why you teach. You share in salvation history. You touch the future. You do, indeed, make a difference.