The GMCEC is an earnest, ardent, and professional response to serious problems in Catholic education in Milwaukee and the nation. Amidst these challenges, Catholic schools remain the largest private school system in the world and manage to provide an outstanding education for a wealth of children. As the consortium has moved forward, we are convinced that if those who are passionate about Catholic education apply their collective energy, skills, experience, and wisdom, we will make a profound difference in our beloved schools. Together, with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, we can preserve and enrich our Catholic schools and imagine a bright and vibrant future for them.

 

What sets the consortium apart is its potential to make a truly profound, systemic impact. The unique, multi-institutional nature of the partnership affords an unprecedented level of collective capacity that will benefit Catholic schools in extraordinary ways. Properly resourced, the GMCEC will change the lives of Catholic school children in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and well beyond. These children will enjoy the academic excellence and faith dimensions that made our Catholic schools great at the turn of the century, and their parents, parishes, and communities can be assured that their schools will be enduring. Catholic education has been referred to by several individuals, including Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings, as a national treasure. We believe that the very future of the Catholic Church depends upon its schools, and we intend to do our best to make them successful. It is with hope and a strong sense of purpose and conviction that we respond in faith, courage, and energy to the challenges and opportunities of our times.