Dear Families, Staff and Friends of our Diocese of Rochester Catholic Schools,
As we begin the 2026-27 school year, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the many opportunities ahead for our Catholic-school communities. This year is especially meaningful as we continue to welcome Bishop John S. Bonnici as the 10th bishop of Rochester. We look forward to his continued visits to our schools, time spent with our students and staff, and his presence as he presides at school Masses. His ministry among us reminds our students that they are an important and cherished part of our Catholic Church.
As we move forward together, our schools remain committed to our mission to lead, inspire and motivate students to grow spiritually, achieve academically and serve others in need. Spiritual growth will continue through schoolwide Masses, prayer services, celebrations of feast days and holy days of obligation, and opportunities for students and staff to spend quiet, prayerful time with Jesus through eucharistic adoration. Our teachers also are continuing to participate in the Franciscan University Catechetical Institute Online Program to deepen their knowledge of Catholic teachings and nurture their own faith. I invite all families to actively participate in their school’s spiritual life by attending Masses, volunteering for service projects, praying together at home and encouraging their children to share their faith experiences with you.
This school year also gives us a special opportunity to celebrate the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who served as bishop of Rochester from 1966-69. Beatification is the first major step toward sainthood, granting the title “Blessed” and allowing limited public veneration. Throughout the year, our schools will share information about Archbishop Sheen with students, staff and families as we celebrate this important step in the life of a former bishop of Rochester.
Academically, our students continue to excel across all subject areas. Our i-Ready English Language Arts and mathematics benchmark assessments have shown tremendous progress across grade-level standards, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our Catholic-school students and teachers. During the coming year, our schools will continue moving toward schoolwide implementation of the i-Ready Mathematics and Magnetic Literacy Programs to provide greater consistency and smoother transitions from one grade level to the next. We also are expanding professional development and mentoring opportunities through mathematics, English language arts, preschool and religion consortia, allowing teachers to learn collaboratively and support one another as coaches and colleagues.
Service remains an essential part of our Catholic-school mission. Students will have many opportunities to share their time, talent and resources through service-learning and outreach to local shelters, food banks, outreach ministries and others in need. Through these experiences, our students learn to live out Christ’s call to serve “the least of these” and discover the joy that comes from making a difference in the lives of others.
Throughout the year, our schools provide opportunities for prospective families to visit, learn more about our Catholic-school communities and begin the enrollment process. If you or someone you know is interested in exploring a Catholic-school education, I encourage you to visit dorschools.org for more information.
I am grateful for the partnership of our families, pastors, principals, teachers, support staff and students. Together, we are creating Catholic-school communities where young people are encouraged to grow in faith, pursue academic excellence and serve others. Thank you for your continued prayers and support of our Catholic schools. I pray that the new school year is filled with peace, joy, and many blessings for you and your families.
May God bless you all,
Frank Arvizzigno
Superintendent of Schools
Diocese of Rochester
