Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

As the new academic year begins, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville has addressed students, parents, teachers, faculty, and administrators in Catholic schools across the region. In his letter, he extended his best wishes for the coming school year and welcomed Amy Nall as superintendent and Dr. Trevor Timmerberg as assistant superintendent.

The archbishop emphasized a focus on hope within Catholic education this year, encouraging communities to recognize God’s love and to support one another under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying Together in Faith, Service, and Learning.”

“Hope is central to the Catholic educational endeavor, encouraging faculty, students and families to trust in Jesus Christ during challenging times and to remember that he is always with us on our journey,” said Archbishop Fabre.

He described Catholic schools as institutions that offer comprehensive education while fostering spiritual growth. According to Fabre, these schools aim to nurture children spiritually, academically, morally, socially, and physically by grounding their development in Gospel values. Alongside academic instruction, students are encouraged to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“As a pastor of souls, I extend profound appreciation to parents, faculty, staff and pastors for their participation in the educational endeavor,” Fabre stated.

He commended parents for prioritizing faith formation by choosing Catholic education for their children: “Parents, who serve as the primary educators in faith, are commended for their commitment to send their children to Catholic schools to ensure faith formation is essential in laying the groundwork for the development of their children as disciples.”

Fabre also recognized teachers and administrators for ensuring both faith development and academic excellence: “Our teachers, faculty, administrators, and pastors possess the educational, managerial and spiritual expertise to ensure faith development and academic excellence are realized for the benefit of our children and youth.”

He concluded by inviting prayerful support from all members of the community at the start of this school year: “Please join me in offering prayerful support to our diverse educational communities at the start of this new academic year. With the assurance of my prayers and blessings for all, know that I remain,

Sincerely in the Lord,

Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre

Archbishop of Louisville”