23-An ardent advocate for the mission of Catholic schools and religious education
Bishop Murphy fervently believed in the value of Catholic schools and religious education to the community. He devoted much time, energy and resource to nurture and grow this invaluable function in his life as a priest, bishop and archbishop.
A column in an October 1978 edition of the Montana Catholic Register included the following statement from Bishop Murphy, “A Catholic school fulfills its educational responsibility in providing an excellent academic program and opportunities for extra-curricular involvement in sports, organizations, clubs, etc. But the very reason for the existence of a Catholic school is to provide a climate and environment of faith which is encouraged to grow and mature through a deeper understanding of what our faith means, as well as the example and witness of administrators and teachers to the importance of the Eucharist and sacraments and prayer.”