Tag: Inspiration

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Evangelizing the Privileged

Catholic Teacher Musings
Catholic Teacher Musings

A common myth about Catholic schools is that they cater to the elite and wealthy. While this is not true, there are in fact many Catholic schools whose students come from privileged families. If you happen to teach in such a school, be sure to read Laura’s post at Catholic Teacher Musings, “Signs That I Might Be Doing Something Right.”

The Catholic Church has always taught about a preferential option for the poor, but that doesn’t mean the fortunate don’t need evangelizing as well. As Laura’s friend prophetically said, “Who is going to teach the fortunate to care for the less fortunate?”

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Top 5 Reasons to Send Your Child to a Catholic School Now

Catholic Classroom

Catholic StudentsWith the economy in rough shape, the National Catholic Education Association recently asked the question, “Why send your child to a Catholic school in these difficult economic times?” Here are the top five answers from the Elementary Department’s Executive Committee:

  • It’s all about value. Nowhere else can you get Catholic tradition and academic excellence in a caring community.
  • While other schools may be cutting programs, Catholic schools do not sacrifice art, music and sports programs.
  • Our technology is often more advanced than in surrounding schools.
  • We have a higher graduation rate. Our students are well prepared for high school and college.
  • Our students are treated like individuals and helped to reach their highest potential.

Is it just me, or do some of those seem dubious and a bit on the lackluster side? Here are five I would suggest:

  • In these tough times, we need to be reminded that this life is only the beginning; Catholic schools prepare students for eternity, and not just the here and now.
  • Our neighbors are in trouble and need help; Catholic schools teach service and social justice better than any other educational institution on the planet.
  • We got into this economic mess through greed and materialism; Catholic schools teach moral values without compromise.
  • To get out of this mess and avoid it in the future, we need strong leaders who are not afraid to speak the truth; Catholic schools teach Jesus Christ, the most courageous speaker of truth the world has ever known–the Son of God Himself.
  • Finally, in difficult times like these, it is easy and tempting to play the blame game, to step on others to get ahead; Catholic schools remind their students that we are brothers and sisters, that we all belong to the same family. The hallmark of any Catholic school is its sense of community spirit, united by belief in one God who is constantly forming us into His body.

There has never been a more urgent need for Catholic schools. There has never been a more critical time to enroll a child in a Catholic school. Yes it costs money; yes we’re already paying taxes to support a public school system. Yes, many people have lost jobs and are already stretched to the breaking point.

In response, schools and systems around the country are freezing tuition: Resurrection High School, Notre Dame High School, St. Thomas More High School, Unified Catholic Schools of the Pike’s Peak Region, to name a few. Many schools offer a “fair share” program where parents who cannot afford the full tuition pay what they can, or pay on a graduated scale.

Now more than ever we need Catholic education. Catholic schools offer what our world needs most right now: hope in a future that lasts eternally.

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Catholic Education Quote of the Week

jpiiandchildrenFrom Pope John Paul II on October 14, 2001:

Teachers provide instruction in the original sense of the term, that is, they make a substantial contribution to building the personality; they educate in the sense of the ancient Socratic image, helping students to discover and to make use of the skills and gifts of each one…

You have been called to teach. This is a vocation, a Christian vocation…There, at your teacher’s chair and desk, God has called you by name to an indispensable service to the truth.

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Teaching Students How to Find God in the Little Things

Other66 by Loyola CommunicationsSometimes we think God only speaks in grand, sweeping gestures or experiences. We forget that God most often communicates to us through the little things. It’s important to remind our students (and ourselves) of this simple truth. But how can we remember to look at the details of our lives and learn to recognize God’s presence?

In the tradition of the Ignatian examen, Loyola Communications has designed a website called Other6: Where Does God Bubble Up in Your Life the Other 6 Days of the Week? Other6 is a beautifully simple and elegant site, consisting of translucent blue bubbles spiraling upward to the soothing sounds of wind chimes. As your mouse hovers over the bubbles you can read how other people have seen God’s presence in their lives. Here are a few examples from today:

“In my daughter’s elementary school. I love visiting my daughter’s elementary school, where everyone from the janitor up is involved in keeping small people safe and providing a place for them to grow.”

“In every breath I take, every beat of my heart. I find such peace these days. I am focused on starting my day with gratitude and prayer. I know God is in every beat of my heart, every breath I take, every thought in my mind.”

“In my coworker. I see such joy & faith in my co-worker. Her life is a daily testimony of God’s love & grace. God has blessed me so much by bringing JE into my life. There is much I need to learn from her faith.”

Clicking on a bubble brings up a small window that allows readers to leave a comment. Adding your own bubble is as easy as clicking the bubble containing a plus sign.

Other6 can be used in the classroom as part of morning prayer or for prayer at the end of the day. Students can take turns reading how others found God that day, or perhaps the students can leave their own observations. No registration is required to use the site.

I find Other6 tremendously soothing, and will often surf the web with the sound of the chiming bells in the background. I’d love to hear what you think, so visit Other6 and then come back and leave a comment. Maybe Other6 will be the quiet way God speaks to you today.