It is wonderful news when a new Catholic high school is opened. Cristo Rey High School is a dream come true for the Diocese of Sacramento. Located in south Sacramento, Cristo Rey opened its doors on Tuesday, August 1, with 104 freshmen. During three weeks of "boot camp," the students are learning basic skills for the entry level jobs they will hold down on a part-time basis starting on August 28. On the same date, they will also begin receiving high quality academic instruction and formation in faith and morality.
Cristo Rey School, Sacramento, is part of the Cristo Rey Network, a national association of high schools which feature an individually-tailored college preparation curriculum, along with a unique, corporate work-study program. In this way, students finance a significant part of the cost of their Catholic education.
Cristo Rey was started in Chicago in 1996 by Jesuit Father John Foley, who sought to develop a new model of Catholic high school for highly motivated students of lower-income families. His vision became reality by combining work experience and studies in a Catholic environment, in partnership with corporate and civic sponsors.
This model immediately appealed to me when I learned of the first school in Chicago. Soon, I initiated efforts with key members of my staff to establish a Cristo Rey School in Sacramento. Then, in 1998, I spoke with the Provincial of the California Jesuits, Father John Privett, and Father John McGarry, (then principal of Jesuit High School and now the Provincial who approved the start-up), urging the establishing of such a school in Sacramento. I renewed my efforts with Father Thomas Smolich, the successor Provincial. In 2004, Father Smolich agreed to sponsor a feasibility study, which was funded by the B.J. Cassin Foundation.
Due to the good work of the feasibility and steering committees, and the cooperation of many pastors, principals, diocesan staff, and volunteers, the study's conclusions were clear and conclusive. In September 2005, the Cristo Rey Network approved Sacramento as a site for a Cristo Rey school This was like a miracle because several other cities were turned down in favor of Sacramento. Sacramento now joins 11 other Cristo Rey schools around the United States. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that this dream has been realized. It is truly an answer to prayer.
Our school is unique in that it is sponsored not only by the California Province of Jesuits, but also by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the Sisters of Mercy of Auburn. All three communities have served our diocese for many years. We owe them our profound thanks for taking on this new endeavor as co-sponsors and for modeling collaboration " a vision set by our Third Diocesan Synod. I am immensely grateful to all three religious congregations.
We also owe a debt of gratitude to the national and local business and non-profit entities which sponsor Sacramento's Cristo Rey. At present, there are 23 local sponsors which have agreed to offer the requisite work experience for Cristo Rey students. These businesses agree to pay the school directly for the part-time work of students " which largely finances their education. Each student works one day a week throughout the school year. This work experience provides students the opportunity to put their academic knowledge into practice and to acquire the work experience and skills which will be of great benefit to them in the future.
Countless individuals worked tirelessly to make this project a reality. The Lord will know how to reward each one, but I am grateful for all. I single out for special thanks Mr. Chris Bakes, without whose tenacity and determination this venture would not have been realized.
The tradition of Catholic education thus continues. Recently, the U.S. Bishops pondered the challenges facing Catholic education. They are many, but we Bishops are clear: Catholic schools are a vital part of the mission of the Church. Every effort must be made by the whole Catholic community to address the challenges we face " with faith, vision, determination, and creativity. Our new Cristo Rey High School is a good example, I think.
Please join me in thanking God and also in congratulating the young women and men of Cristo Rey High School. They are embarking on an academic and faith-based journey toward an exciting future, with an educational opportunity which will train them to be Christian leaders in society, and truly to make a difference " prepared not only to achieve their own goals, but also to reach out in service to others. Let us pray for the continued success of Cristo Rey High School and for God's blessing on all involved. We have good reason to look to the future with enthusiasm and hope.
