Next weekend, the parishes in our diocese will participate in the national collection for The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Established in 1887 by pontifical charter, the university is the only American university with ecclesiastical faculties granting canonical degrees in canon law, philosophy and theology.
Catholic University is a community of students, faculty, and staff who are committed to upholding the highest standards of education. Under the guidance of President Peter K. Kilpatrick, Ph.D., through its 12 schools, 32 research facilities, and more than 250 academic programs, the University community works tirelessly on behalf of its 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students to help educate them to serve the Church and nation as the Catholic leaders of tomorrow.
Support of this national second collection not only provides critical support to students but also helps the University serve dioceses and parishes through innovative research initiatives and training programs. Examples of this include: “Insight,” the first Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) professional development program for K-12 Catholic school educators; a Master’s program in Church Administration and Management; and a credentialing program that prepares recent graduates to serve as campus ministers.
I encourage you to be generous in the special collection for The Catholic University of America to be taken up on the weekend of January 5, 2025.
With every prayerful best wish for a Blessed New Year, I remain
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Robert J. McManus Bishop of Worcester