Guglielmone: SC Catholics dedicated to educating the whole child

Jan. 19 was an exciting day for the students, teachers, staff and parents at Cardinal Newman School, which opened a new 50-acre campus in Northeast Richland County. The new state-of-the-art facility on Alpine Road will prepare students with the latest tools and technology they will need for college and beyond. It replaces the worn and outdated building on Forest Drive, which had been home to the school since 1961

The center of the new school is a 350-seat chapel that is flanked by a 305-seat performing arts center, 32 classrooms, five science labs, two computer labs, two gymnasiums, a health and wellness center and outdoor athletic facilities. The campus redefines excellence in our community and shows the Catholic Church’s commitment to education in the Midlands.

One of the most important jobs we as a society can perform is the education of our children. I learned that lesson between college and seminary, when I worked as a high school teacher. It was a good day when I realized my students would graduate to be active citizens rather than passive spectators.

Now, as bishop of Charleston, I am proud of how our Catholic schools are shaping future generations. Each day, more than 7,000 S.C. children enter a classroom in one of 31 Catholic schools as they prepare to become productive South Carolinians. Our teachers focus on developing the whole child — cognitively, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. We stress math, science and language as well as theology and social justice.

Catholic schools not only represent the oldest educational system but remain the largest educator of children in the world. I can tell you first-hand that the Catholic Church is alive and growing, particularly here in South Carolina.

Cardinal Newman is not the only new Catholic high school in the state. Two years ago, John Paul II Catholic School opened in Bluffton. In August, the diocese will open St. Elizabeth Ann Seton High School in Myrtle Beach. This will be the sixth high school in the diocese and, with its opening, will make Catholic education available for all ages in every part of the state.

Our schools are founded on Catholic values and are embodying Catholic tradition. Yet a third of our students are not Catholic. In essence, all are welcome. That is especially true this week, as we recognize Catholic Schools Week, when many of our schools will host open houses. Please stop by one of our schools to see first-hand the difference we are making in the life of a child each day.

As stated in the book of Proverbs, “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” Here in South Carolina, the Catholic Church and our schools believe that fostering wisdom and understanding in our children should be everyone’s priority. Be assured that we will continue to invest and grow here in South Carolina to ensure a stronger and more loving community, not only for the remainder of this century, but for the next one as well.

This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 3:30 PM.