Superintendent's Letter Concerning Safety in Our Catholic Schools

Dear Friends in Catholic Education,May the peace of Christ be with you!It's very hard for us to comprehend the tragedy that struck the Newtown, Connecticut community. The taking of lives, let alone so many little ones, is senseless and heartbreaking. As educators, our greatest responsibility is to provide a safe environment for the children in our care. As principals, teachers, and administrators we naturally put ourselves in the position of those educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School. We know in our hearts and minds how we would react to protect God's children, the young people we teach and love as if they were our own.No community is ever emotionally prepared for such a heinous crime, but our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Orlando have long prepared for how to respond in a crisis. First and foremost, we strive to ensure the safest and securest school buildings and properties throughout the Diocese. Our schools have crisis plans in place and in light of this tragedy, school leaders will once again review the plans, strengthen if necessary and continue their collaboration with public safety agencies.

 Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.Where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury, pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekto be consoled as to console;to be understood as to understand;to be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive;it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

In Christ,Henry Fortier,Superintendent