As we begin a new academic year, it is encouraging to note how well the students in our Catholic schools perform on national standardized tests.

Each spring, students in grades three through seven of the Catholic elementary and middle schools of the Archdiocese of Hartford take the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. The scores are reported in national percentile ranks.

This year, as in the past, Archdiocese of Hartford students’ average performance on all tests of the battery – mathematics, reading, language arts, science and social studies – measured in the upper third of students tested nationally, with many students performing on average in the top 90th to 99th percentile nationally.

What is especially impressive is the fact that our students in these grades achieve test results in these five subjects that are two grades higher on average than the results of their counterparts here and around the United States.

It is important to be reminded of these achievements because; relatively speaking, not much attention is given to this phenomenal news.

Of ongoing significance are the reports that the exceptional performance of Archdiocesan students on standardized testing continues when these students move on to high school. Students in the Archdiocese perform well on all areas of the SAT, ranking well above both state and national averages.

When I speak at our schools throughout the year, whether at Mass or at school assemblies, I express deep gratitude to our students, teachers and administrative leaders for all of these exemplary achievements. We could not function in the academic world unless we were reaching these peaks of excellence.

With all of this, we know there is more. Our Catholic schools address the whole person: physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual. We know that without spiritual development, all education is fundamentally flawed. As we know, Catholic schools work together with parents, guardians and grandparents to assure solid foundations for our young people.

Catholic schools integrate prayer in the course of the day and highlight the sacraments as critically important in our lives. Catholic schools require order and an atmosphere conducive to learning. They provide safe and secure environments.

Catholic schools cultivate study habits in our students and train them in work habits which serve them for life. Catholic schools enable youngsters to establish roots for steady and strong growth. Without roots, we are left with dryness, decadence and decay.

Catholic schools teach us to love God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – our origin and our ultimate destiny. Catholic schools give direction to our lives. Our schools provide a moral compass, enabling us to stand against aimless drift.

Catholic schools focus attention on every single student, each one created in the image and likeness of God. Catholic schools see in religion a unique and extraordinary incentive for the practice of the virtues.

Catholic schools produce leaders, academically prepared, knowledgeable of the world around us, and sensitive to the needs of others.

Commentators in various sectors these days are remarking more frequently about the decline of civilization in our country and in our world. The philosophy and work of our Catholic schools are strong forces in the development of civilization at its highest levels. Of course, the strengthening of family life as the original cell of social life, whether single parent families or otherwise, is vital. For this reason, we are strongly supporting "Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children" on September 26 as a reminder of the tremendous resource which the family is. Please see my column last month in The Catholic Transcript and Page One of this issue on the family dinner.

We are all relational, to one another and to God. In this context, the Eucharist, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, brings us all together as the source and the summit of our Christian lives. May we all be brought together in that banquet now and for all eternity.

The results continue to be more than inspiring. As of this writing, the total amount is $9,506,558, which is $534,346 higher than last year. In the midst of so many reports of economic gloom in our society, you continue to achieve ever higher records of giving. Your generosity brings stronger support to so many people in need. Be assured of my heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous edification and enlightened thoughtfulness you are demonstrating.