U.S. bishops reflect on the gift of Catholic schools (Videos)

To mark Catholic Schools Week, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has released a series of videos in which bishops reflect upon the gift of Catholic education.

The videos feature Bishop David M. O’Connell of the Diocese of Trenton, NJ, who is Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Catholic Education, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, and Archbishop Mark S. Rivituso of the Archdiocese of Mobile.

The bishops talk about their experiences as Catholic School alumni and the future of Catholic education in the United States and around the world.

I consider our Catholic schools such a treasure and such a gift, where students, five days a week, can come to school surrounded by religious symbols, reminding them of God’s love; where they can pray every day before every class; where there is a chapel or place to be with the Lord; where they can learn about… what it means to be a disciple and a follower of Christ; where we can stop a school day to have confessions heard or a Mass celebrated.”

– Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Diocese of Arlington, Virginia

You can view Bishop Burbidge’s full video message HERE.

As I lived out my priesthood, I’ve been blessed to serve in various parish schools, but also, I was a high school teacher as well. It was a blessed time for me because I really believe we have to be present to our young people. As an educator, I want them to know that important lesson — that their lives have a greater purpose, a greater meaning to be lived as they live Jesus…”

– Archbishop Mark S. Rivituso, Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama

You can view Archbishop Rivituso’s full video message HERE.

The fact that Pope Leo speaks about education in so many positive ways is obviously going to have an impact on what we do in Catholic schools and colleges and universities throughout the world… Education is really evangelization. It’s the opportunity that we have to present the Gospel and the Church and its teachings — and I think his encouragement is going to mean a great deal to us.”

– Bishop David M. O’Connell, Diocese of Trenton

You can view Bishop O’Connell’s video below:

Featured image: Students walk near a cross as they change classes at St. Patrick School in Smithtown, N.Y., Jan. 15, 2026. Catholic Schools Week, the annual celebration of Catholic education in the U.S., is observed Jan. 25-31 in 2026. (OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)