Pastor's Message

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

     Welcome to the website of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School located in the historic town of Boonton, New Jersey. Our school has provided education to countless children who have gone on to effect the social, academic and spiritual climate of our town, state, nation and world. Here they were formed body, mind and soul to live fully the life God has graced them with. Today I am privileged to be listed among a long tradition of pastors who have faithfully supported and enhanced the education of children as they forge their rightful place in the Church and the world. Catholic education is rooted in the mission of the Church. It is about spreading the message of Jesus. The Catholic School is one key element amongst others in Catholic education - the home, school and parish are also critical to the faith and spiritual development of the Christian community.

     All of the New Testament underpins the Catholic School. The Catholic School proclaims the joyful news that human life has meaning and purpose, that all persons are precious, that the poor and the weak have a special claim to attention, that human gifts are to be discovered and developed, that the purpose of Catholic Education is found in the words of Jesus: “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). In essence, the Catholic educational experience involves an integration of information and formation – leading to fundamental transformation. Catholic education promotes the development of the whole person based on the belief that the human and the divine are inseparable. It promotes an explicit system of values based on the Gospels. The goal of Catholic education is the formation of the student.

     Catholic education prepares people not merely for the world of work but for the challenges of life. It provides learning experiences for students and teachers that will develop their capacity to think critically. It helps them to be fully human and fully alive. Catholic schools are open and welcoming to all cultures and traditions and care especially for the poor and those who are disadvantaged.

      am assisted in my task of formation by a wonderfully dedicated faculty under the leadership of our principal Mrs. Gladys Driscoll. Together we carry the message of Christ throughout the day in every subject matter and in our interaction with students and parents. It is our joy to continue to build on the strong foundation of Catholic education in our community. It is my prayer that those of you seeking an education for your child which encompasses mind, body and soul will contact us and allow us to show you how wonderful Our Lady of Mount Carmel School truly is. Come be part of something great.

Peace,

Fr. A. Richard Carton
Pastor