Michael Morrisey is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation. You can reach him at (913) 647-0383 or send an email to him at: mmorrisey@archkck.org.
by Michael Morrisey
mmorrisey@archkck.org
It has been five months since we last communicated. I have missed you! I hope you feel the same. This is the first of a two article series on “angels.” I am told that I should do the series thing to pique the interest of the reader — by doing so you will be waiting with bated breath for the second writing.
Growing up, on occasion (no com- ments, please on the timing), my mom would say to me; “You are such an angel!” OK, I do admit it was once in a blue moon. I never really thought much about angels — until now.
It begs the question: “What is an angel?” The Catholic Church tells us that angels are messengers. The Old Testament explains that angels are employed by God as the ministers of his will. In the New Testament, their names appear on almost every page. Others would say that angels are there to assist and that each person has a guardian angel that is with us every day of our lives, looking over our shoulder to protect us and make sure we are kept safe. Further, angels are there to be our guiding light and show us how to live and show us how to give.
It is easy for a skeptical mind to see in these angelic hosts the mere play of fantasy and the growth of superstition. However, I suggest that each of us just needs to open our eyes and consider things happening around us every day. For example, thanks to our Catholic Education Foundation “Angels Among Us” (733-plus donors), 1,138 kids, who would not otherwise be able to attend, were able to go to Catholic schools this past year in our archdiocese.
Angels would tell us that all children who seek a Catholic education, one that offers both quality and faith, should be given that opportunity in the name of Jesus, regardless of their socioeconomic situation. When we consider that these children are an integral part of the future of the Catholic Church, if this is not angelic, then I don’t know what is!
On Oct. 30, the Catholic Education Foundation will be celebrating the gift of Catholic education at our annual Gaudeamus dinner. On this night we will be honoring the Straub family as this year’s “Angels Among Us.” I encourage each of you to consider attending this event and join over 1,000 other angels in this celebration of Catholic education!
For more information on Gaudeamus, visit the Web site at: www.cefks. org or call (913) 647-0344.
OK, now is the time to start your bated breath thing!
