MISSION STATEMENT

The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, the Sisters of the Holy Family, and the Josephites have served the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans for over 150 years and through their respective schools have produced refined young men and women who have become leaders in the community. These religious communities were founded to minister to all people, with a preferential option for the poor and a particular focus on ministry in the African American community. A critical component to this ministry has been ensuring that the rights and dignity of the people served are upheld. Standing on the shoulders of our founders, and upholding the philosophy and mission of these three communities, we are committed to ensuring that our students will not be lost during this time of crisis. The MAX school is our response to the great challenge that has been presented to the City of New Orleans and the Catholic Church in New Orleans to preserve and nurture the educational mission of the Church in the African-American community.

RATIONALE

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, with the devastating effect these storms have had on the City of New Orleans and other regions, along with their respective infrastructures, it is imperative that life affirming, community building, and future investment activities be restored as soon as possible. A critical element is the rebuilding and the re-opening of schools, the pulse of a community�s future.

As a part of the overall efforts of the Archdiocese of New Orleans to re-open and re-vitalize Catholic schools affected by the hurricanes, The MAX School is an extremely important undertaking. This school will reach out to those students traditionally served by St. Mary�s Academy, St. Augustine High School, and Xavier University Preparatory High School. These three schools have a collective legacy that is an invaluable resource to the city of New Orleans. Because of their deep roots in the New Orleans African-American Community, Catholic and non-Catholic, it is of vital importance that the continued presence of these schools and the continuation of their work and mission be an integral part of this transition period. The decision to join together during this time of crisis is a tangible witness to the commonly shared values that unite these three academic institutions.

Because these schools provide quality education to an economically diverse student population which includes a significant number of families falling below the poverty line, financial resources are not always as available as they are to other institutions which serve other communities. Any assistance given to the MAX School will ensure that the great tradition of academic excellence, discipline, and community-oriented and faith-based service, that is the hallmark of these three schools, will not be diminished during this time of crisis.

CONCLUSION

The MAX School is a most worthy investment in the future of New Orleans, in the rebuilding of the education system in New Orleans, and in the lives of young African-American New Orleanians who represent the hope of that future. The administrations of St. Mary�s Academy, St. Augustine High School, and Xavier Preparatory High School are deeply grateful to all those who choose to enter into partnership with them in the great task of education our youth.