2026 Catholic Schools Week Supplement

Catholic education must form the whole person—intellect, heart and spirit

Dear Friends in Christ,

Our 2026 theme for Catholic Schools Week, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” makes clear that formation and education involve more than a solitary endeavor. Human beings are communal by nature. Faith is more effectively celebrated and enriched within the context of community rather than in isolation from one another. The community of believers is more than a mere collection of individuals. It is for this reason that documents of the Second Vatican Council referred to the Church as the Body of Christ and Pilgrim People of God.

In his recent Oct. 27, 2025, Apostolic Letter, “Drawing New Maps of Hope,” commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Conciliar Declaration, “Gravissimum educationis,” Pope Leo XIV writes, “Christian education is a collective endeavor: no one educates alone. The educational community is a ‘we’ where teachers, students, families, administrative and service staff, pastors and civil society converge to generate life” (#3).

The Holy Father emphasized that Catholic education must form the whole person (intellect, heart, spirit) within communities, integrating faith into all subjects and serving the common good. He also expressed concern about addressing modern challenges of technology, especially within the context of Catholic social teaching. The collective effort of education, he noted, is a true “act of hope.”

Hope is one of the three theological virtues, along with faith and charity, upon which all other virtues are hinged. Having just completed the Jubilee Year of Hope, we are reminded of how essential hope is for individuals, families and all forms of community to grow and prosper. Given the various ideologies and exaggerated individualism that underlie the ever-increasing polarization of practically every aspect of society, Catholic education is poised to provide a path to hope made available by authentic respect for both faith and reason.

Thus, our Catholic Schools Week theme aptly acknowledges how necessary the unity of faith and community are for Catholic schools to thrive in forming hearts and educating minds. Ultimately, the salvation of souls and development of good citizens is all about being Christ-centered. Permeating all aspects of the educational experience—the subjects, activities, clubs, athletics, social and nutritional concerns—is the true purpose of Catholic identity; namely, to witness to the good news of Jesus Christ, our hope and salvation. This is why our Catholic schools exist. This is the reason for all the sacrifice and resources made by so many individuals, families, parishes and religious communities.

There is no better time than Catholic Schools Week to thank our pastors, administrators, staff, faculty, benefactors, volunteers, families and especially students, for being incredible witnesses to Catholic education throughout central and southern Indiana. The Archdiocese of Indianapolis is truly blessed with such wonderful ambassadors of Catholic identity both within and outside our schools.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson
 

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