Sister Barbara Bray, SNJM

By Sister Barbara Bray, SNJM

Fifty years! As the Diocese of Oakland marks 50 years since its founding as a diocese on Jan. 13, 1962, we celebrate the many ministries through which the Gospel is proclaimed, the mission of the church is furthered and a community of believers welcomes and serves in Jesus' name. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Oakland, in collaboration with parents and guardians as the primary educators, seek to educate the whole child by providing an excellent education rooted in Gospel values.

Our diocese includes 44 Catholic elementary and nine high schools in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Some were founded during the early days in the Archdiocese of San Francisco; many were established during the time of great expansion of Catholic schools from the 1940s-1960s. All have seen changes in staffing, financing and marketing and each remains true to the tradition of providing an excellent education in a faith-filled environment.

In the words of the bishops of the United States: "Our mission remains clear: Our Catholic schools are a vital part of the teaching mission of the Church. …We must respond to challenging times with faith, vision and the will to succeed because Catholic school's mission is vital to the future of our young people, our nation and our Church."

May the next 50 years find this mission a vibrant reality in the Diocese of Oakland.

(Sister Barbara Bray, SNJM, is superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Oakland.)

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