By Tony Arens
Principal, St. John the Apostle School, Lincoln
Catholic schools have long been regarded as a unique treasure in the world of education, offering a combination of academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community involvement. In a rapidly changing world, where the demands of education often focus primarily on academic success, Catholic schools offer something more profound: the formation of the whole person. This gift of Catholic education extends beyond knowledge and skills, shaping students’ moral compass, deepening their faith, and preparing them to serve others in a meaningful way.
Each school year, St. John the Apostle School develops a theme for staff and students to focus on throughout the year, providing opportunities to learn and grow spiritually. This year’s school theme, “Come and Behold,” is a two-fold invitation to see our school beyond the bell, and the deep love the Good Shepherd has for each of us. At St. John’s, we are focusing on fostering a positive and nurturing culture where every student is known by name, loved, and cared for. Through daily prayer, religious education, and opportunities for spiritual growth, we aim to walk alongside our students and families as they encounter Jesus. Come and Behold is about the beauty within our school community and the beauty of our Catholic faith. It is about the journey we embark on together.
One of the most defining aspects of our diocesan Catholic schools is our commitment to providing a faith-based education. Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, our schools offer students a curriculum that integrates faith and learning. Religion is not confined to a single class period; it permeates every aspect of the school environment, encouraging students to see the world through the lens of Catholic values.
The second meaning behind our theme, “Come and Behold,” is an invitation to know the burning love of Jesus’ most Sacred Heart. Building a personal relationship with Jesus is foundational to living a life of purpose, joy, and service to others. This relationship is not just about following religious traditions or attending Mass; it is about experiencing a deep, intimate connection with the living Christ that transforms us from the inside out. As our students grow in their relationship with Him, they are equipped to share His love with others in powerful, life-changing ways.
At St. John’s, we have recently developed a Jr. High program, “Abide,” to assist students in their journey of growing closer in their friendship with Jesus. The mission is to embrace our individual call to holiness and to generously respond to Christ’s invitation to a unique friendship with Him through the witness and encouragement of our peers seeking a common good. In John 15, Jesus invites us to abide with Him so that we might have life in abundance. Through knowing this, we can respond to an invitation to a life of holiness. Jesus uses the analogy of a vine and the branches; we are the branches; He is the vine. Abide allows time for our students to come to know Jesus through the witness and encouragement of their peers. They also discover what causes tension between their branch and the true vine, and practical tips of how to remain fully connected to the vine.
To consistently share Jesus’ love with others, we must remain deeply rooted in our relationship with Him. The world can be discouraging, and there will be challenges along the way. When we stay connected to Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other believers, we find the strength to continue sharing His love, even in difficult circumstances.
I would like to invite you to Come and Behold our diocesan schools near you. Come and see the students at daily Mass, adoration and benediction, our Advent services, or stations of the cross during Lent. Come and see the friendships, laughter, and authentic care in our students. Witness our teachers’ true love and vocation, and the hours of dedication they give to their students, colleagues, school, and parish. Journey with us during the hardships, the trials, and the tears. Come and behold a community that comes together to help others in need and a trust that we put in our Catholic faith.
One of the greatest callings of the Christian life is to share Jesus’ love with others. In Matthew 28, Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This command is not just about sharing the gospel verbally, but also about living out the gospel in our everyday lives.
Come and behold the unchanging love God has for each of us; His mercy, His forgiveness, His truth. We invite you to journey with us through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, as we work to carry out God’s message to all, building up the kingdom of heaven. Come and Behold the beauty of our Lincoln Diocese Catholic schools and our Catholic faith.
