Dear Friends of Central Catholic,
I’m Bro. Jim Burkholder, S.M. I graduated from Central in 1962 and joined the Society of Mary in that year, spending a year at our Marianist Novitiate in Wisconsin. In 1963 I returned to San Antonio and spent four years at St. Mary’s University. I spent the next 8 years in St. Louis teaching Physics and Math. In 1975 I was assigned to Central Catholic where I was privileged to serve for the next forty-five years. In my high school years, Central became my home where I learned academic excellence and the Marianist charism. Band, JROTC, Radio Club, Student Council and Sodality all contributed to my formation and I was happy to share with future generations of Centralities that same spirit of excellence and Marianist spirituality that formed me. For me, it was important to show my students that there is no conflict between faith and reason. Revealed knowledge is not opposed to secular knowledge, but complements it.
Central Catholic has the mission to promote academic and athletic excellence in the Marianist tradition. That tradition includes formation in faith, an integral, quality education, family spirit and formation for service, justice, peace, adaption and change. I believe that with such formation Central graduates can then go out into the world and make a difference, as so many of them have done in the past. When I go to my class reunions, I am always impressed by the accomplishments of my classmates and the wonderful people they are. I’m sure that their formation at Central Catholic had much to do with that.
Last summer I retired after 53 years in the classroom, I was a bit sad because I love teaching my students, but came to realize that it was time. But that did not mean that I would cease being interested in continuing the Marianist tradition of excellence and spirituality that Central has.
“It is important to show my students that there is no conflict between faith & reason. Revealed knowledge is not opposed to secular knowledge, but complements it.”
Bro. James Burkholder CCHS Class of 1962We have come a long way since my high school days with the expansion of the downtown campus, the Band Hall, the Bob Benson stadium, the Baseball Field, the Elizondo Library and Resource Center, and the Kahlig-Cowie Convocation Center with its Mother Adele Chapel. These were all dreams we had when I returned to Central in 1975, and which so many of you helped to become a reality with your time, generous support and donations. I thank you for that. I invite you to join me in continuing to support the mission of Central Catholic in making sure that the school and it traditions will continue for generations to come. The Marianists continue to pray for all our benefactors daily, and we ask for your prayers that generous people will join us in support of Central’s mission.
With Loyal Hearts…
Sincerely,
Bro. Jim Burkholder 1962, S.M.We rely on the generosity of alumni, parents, and friends to supplement the $1,700.00 difference per student not covered by tuition. Please consider a gift to help the next generation of Central Catholic men.
We are grateful to all those who choose to support our mission by making Central Catholic a charitable priority in their life. Your generous gift to The Fund is a vote of confidence in our efforts to maintain excellence in a well-rounded Catholic education.
