Dear Catholic School Families,
The backpacks are getting dusted off, shoe sizes have somehow jumped two numbers, and—if your household is like mine—you’ve realized your child grew three inches over the summer and absolutely needs a new uniform. That can only mean one thing: we’re on the joyful doorstep of a brand new school year in the Catholic Schools of the Salina Diocese!
Whether your summer included a quick weekend at the lake, a road trip to the Carolinas, or just some quiet evenings grilling in the backyard, I pray it was filled with laughter, family time, and moments to savor God’s goodness. Across the Diocese, I’m proud to share that over 1,300 students participated in Totus Tuus across 27 of our parishes, and around 500 high school students served joyfully in Prayer and Action in both Goodland and Junction City. These young disciples are setting the tone for the school year ahead—lives rooted in prayer, service, and community.
Personally, this summer was one to remember. I had the incredible opportunity to walk in the footsteps of saints on a pilgrimage through Italy with 33 others from our Diocese—standing in St. Peter’s Basilica, praying at the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi, and being continually reminded that our Catholic faith is both timeless and alive. I also represented our Catholic schools at the NFHS Summer Meeting in Chicago as part of my work with the KSHSAA Executive Board, and in a more courtside adventure, coached my son’s basketball team in a few tournaments (a humbling reminder that 11-year-olds have endless energy).
As we begin this new school year, I’m filled with hope and excitement for what God has in store for each of our schools. We are committed to providing High-Quality Instruction in classrooms where students are known, loved, and challenged to grow—not just academically, but spiritually and personally. Our Catholic schools remain a safe, joyful, and faith-filled environment where children are not only educated but evangelized, called to holiness, and formed to bring others closer to Christ.
We also invite your family to join in two important upcoming events:
- 2nd Annual Eucharistic Conference | August 9–10 at Fort Hays State University: Featuring national speaker Fr. John Riccardo from ACTS XXIX and dynamic breakout sessions to deepen your love of the Eucharist.
- Junior CYO Camp at Rock Springs (Labor Day Weekend): Open to all 6th–8th graders for faith, fun, and friendships that will last all year. Check with your parish for more information.
Thank you for choosing Catholic education for your child. We are honored to partner with you in preparing the next generation of saints—disciples of Jesus on mission.
Let’s embrace this year with full hearts, sharpened pencils, and a renewed commitment to becoming who God created us to be.
Blessings and Back-to-School Joy,
Geoff Andrews
Superintendent of Schools
Catholic Diocese of Salina
“Together, let us be disciples of Jesus on Mission.”