A Christmas Message from Central Catholic President
Dear Central Catholic Community,
As we come to the close of 2024, I want to extend my sincere wishes for a joyful and blessed Christmas to each of you—our students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and friends. In the midst of the excitement and busyness during this time of the year, I invite you to pause and reflect on the gift of Christ’s birth—a gift that fills our hearts with hope, love, and peace.
This Christmas, I am deeply grateful for the vibrant, faith-filled community that is Central Catholic High School. Each student, faculty member, staff member, parent, alumnus, and friend of Central Catholic plays an integral part in making our school a place of academic excellence, spiritual growth, and brotherhood. The spirit of charity, service, and dedication to one another that we see at Central Catholic is a reflection of the love Christ has for each of us.
As we celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ birth, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas: giving thanks for the blessings we have received and sharing love with those around us. I encourage each of you to carry the light of Christ with you in the new year, bringing His peace and joy into your hearts and homes.
The example of Christ calls us to reflect on how we are living out His message of love, compassion, and service. During this school year, I have seen so many examples of our students putting this message into action—whether through their large-scale efforts in service to others through the Annual Canned Food Drive which allows the Little Sisters of the Poor to carry out a critical part of their mission, or simple acts of kindness amongst our students in helping one another through the school day. Our community seeks to encourage one another to excel in all that they do. It is through these actions that we truly see Christ alive at Central Catholic. We are proud of our students, not only for their academic and extracurricular achievements, but for their efforts to be young men of integrity and compassion.
This time of year also reminds us of the importance of family, friendship, and community. I am especially thankful for the support and partnership of our dedicated faculty and staff whose unwavering commitment strengthens our mission and ensures that our students continue to grow in faith, scholarship, and service. The work we do together bears witness to the mission of Central Catholic and to the love of Christ that unites us. I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of the faculty and staff who remind us of St. John Baptist De La Salle’s words about the role they have with those entrusted to our care that, “Young people need the light of watchful guides to lead them on the path of salvation.” Thank you for the part you play in this special Lasallian mission called Central Catholic High School.
May the peace and joy of Christmas fill your hearts and homes, and may the new year bring continued blessings to you and your loved ones. I look forward to the opportunities that await us in the coming year, and I am excited to continue our journey together in faith.
On behalf of our Central Catholic students, faculty, Christian Brothers, and school administration, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Wishing you Christmas Blessings,
Matthew J. Stoessel, ’95
President
St. John Baptist de La Salle … Pray for us!
Live Jesus in Our Hearts ... Forever!
