Welcome
St. Mary's, Dumont

Dear friends,

This week across our country we celebrate Catholic Schools Week. A week where we spotlight Catholic Education and all of its great accomplishments, achievements and commitment to bring the Gospel message of Jesus to the classroom. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is the foundress of the Catholic School System. Her philosophy of Education can be summed up in six statements:

  1. The need of a practical plan for Christian education.
  2. A sense of order and discipline.
  3. A sense of responsibility and accountability.
  4. A respect for learning.
  5. A sense of professionalism.
  6. A commitment to the students that extends beyond the classroom.
Mother Seton's ideas and vision can still be clearly seen in our Catholic Schools today. As you all know St. Mary's Parish co-sponsors a school with St. John's, Bergenfield and Ascension, New Milford which is called Transfiguration Academy. In existence now for six years, it strives to live up to the ideals listed above of Mother Seton to educate the whole person in a Christian environment. Let us continue to support Catholic Schools by supporting our own Transfiguration Academy. Let us encourage parents to send their children to Catholic school so that more children may experience the love of Jesus found in the classroom setting. Let us also pray for the success of our Catholic Schools especially Transfiguration Academy. I know the value of a Catholic Education. I went to a Catholic grammar school, college and graduate school. For eight years of my priesthood, I taught in several Catholic High Schools and I would encourage any young boy or girl to consider a Catholic School.

So, Happy Catholic Schools week! May St. Elizabeth Ann Seton intercede for our schools today, guide our principals and teachers to be effective role models and watch over our students being taught in Christian values.

May God be Praised,
Fr. Dominic Ciriaco