Experiencing Catholic Education
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, we reflect back on the impact the gift of Catholic education our daughters received at St. Pius X, St. John the Evangelist, and Rochester Lourdes. Led by the Holy Spirit, their faith, trust in God, a love for learning, along with the Christian values instilled by their Catholic education, has been a guiding light for both of them throughout their time at RCS and now as young adults. We continually witness respect, kindness, compassion, discipline, and wisdom in their studies, professional work, care for creation, and love for one another. The gift of Catholic education provided to our own family is in the beauty of our daughters’ willingness to help those in need and share their love with others.
We are grateful for the incredible generosity and support that the community and parish of the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist provides to the families of Rochester Catholic Schools. Through your caring, compassion, and love for Catholic education, the parish subsidy is a way to invest in sustaining the future of our Catholic community.
~ Kathy and Brian Allison
The mission of the Rochester Catholic School system is to develop the spiritual, social, emotional, and academic growth of young people. As I enter my 24th year of life, I have found that the RCS system has greatly impacted me during my school years and even as I continued through my life afterwards. The decision of my parents to provide me with a Catholic education truly was the best decision for me. The RCS system provides an excellent foundation built on the support of my peers and my faith. The rigorous coursework allowed me to develop critical thinking skills that would carry on with me to this day. With the support of my peers and my family, I have been reminded that God does have a plan for me and that he does have a purpose for my life. Even during the difficult times, my faith in God has carried me through. Because the RCS system is a tight-knit community, I have found that the teachers are incredibly engaged and ensure that you grow not only in your faith, but in your coursework as well. It is vital to the community that each child accomplishes their goals and their dreams and is incredibly proud of all that you do long after you graduate high school. I returned to St. John the
Evangelist just a few months ago for the career fair and met with some of my teachers that I had in kindergarten through the eighth grade. The commitment of the community to watch you grow and develop as a young adult is not something that you can find just anywhere. I felt extremely proud to come back and speak to those around me knowing
how supported I was by the community for all that I have accomplished as a young adult. Overall, the Rochester Catholic School system guided me to develop as a young individual built on the values and morals of Catholicism that have given me the confidence to bring a more positive change to our world.
-Sydney Allison
As I move through the world today, I often think about the experiences and culture that formed me. They both guide the way that I approach life and my relationships with others. Growing up in Rochester Catholic Schools, I was surrounded by the support of my community, made up of many teachers, aides, and students that I’ve known since my youth. They not only guided me to treat others with kindness, love, and respect, but also to use my education to improve the world around me. I was first introduced to the RCS community in kindergarten as I attended St. Pius Elementary School. Here, I found my family: a welcoming and loving environment with all the support a young student could need. I sincerely felt the respect of my teachers, who guided us through lesson plans and taught with individual attention. They cared deeply about our education, allowing us to grow and thrive without much fear of mistakes. I loved the small classrooms and felt a deep connection to my friends and classmates, who I knew all by name. Here, I also deepened my relationship with God by learning and practicing my faith daily. I learned not only what it meant to be a good person on the outside, but what my generosity and kindness actually means to others who need it most. Kids learn by example. They follow in the footsteps of important adults in their lives. Watching both my parents and teachers at school, I saw a genuine hunger for God and a deep connection to other people. I knew that I needed to lead with both my heart and head, combining my faith and education so that I could experience this kind of love and friendship for the rest of my life. After graduating from RCS, I wanted to continue building my relationship with God and others. As I move through the world today, I carry my education and faith with me, allowing me to build my community with new people, both at home and internationally. I am forever grateful for my time at RCS and hope that other young students get to receive the same support and attention that allowed me to grow into who I am today.
-Natalie Allison