February 2021
May the Peace of Christ be with you!
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,” which comes from Luke 1:45 was our theme for the 2019-2020 school year. Mary made this proclamation to her cousin Elizabeth in the context of Mary’s pregnancy with our Lord Jesus. She was filled with joy and excitement knowing she would be the servant or handmaid of our Lord, even though there was much uncertainty of the future.
I am proud share with you the 2019-2020 Annual Report for the Diocese of Orlando Catholic Schools. It was a unique school year that brought many challenges, anxieties, and opportunities for creativity. As a system, we continued to strengthen the safety of our schools physically, virtually, and with mental health initiatives. As the year progressed and we confronted the pandemic, our amazing teachers and principals made rapid adjustments and continued the spiritual and academic development of our students.
In 2013, Bishop Noonan set three priorities for the diocese – enkindle a deeper faith, form leaders in Christ, and harmonize ministries. Our goal is to meet these priorities by sharing and helping grow a love of Jesus and the Church through our witness in the hearts and minds of the students and people we serve; secondly, by educating the whole child in mind, body and spirit to form mature leaders in Christ; and lastly, by harmonizing the ministries to the mission of the Church and better utilizing the gifts that have been shared with us. You will find that throughout this document our Catholic schools strive to fulfill Bishop Noonan’s top three priorities.
Research has shown that Catholic schools produce graduates that are more civically involved and engage in charitable giving throughout their life more than any other schools. Catholic schools have also shown to be the best way to pass on our faith traditions as well as re-evangelize the entire family through what our students learn and bring back home to their parents.
As stakeholders, donors, or interested parties, I hope you will find validation for the gifts that you share with our ministries within Catholic education. Thank you for your continued support for Catholic education. Without you, our schools, as well as our efforts in our Sister Diocese and San Pedro Center, would not be possible, thus leaving a void in our communities that nothing else could fill. May peace and blessing be yours!!
In Christ,
Henry Fortier
Secretary for Education/
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
To view the 2019-2020 Annual Report, click here.