Diocesan superintendent: Catholics schools are truly a love story

Posted

I would like to tell you a love story — not a romance, or an ode — but a story about real, messy, boots-on-the-ground, walking-through-fire love.

I have been blessed to be here in the Diocese of Jefferson City for nine months now, and there are many things I am enjoying. A few I am getting used to; but there is one I love: our Catholic schools.

In this time, in this place, God has put competent, faithful, generous and loving people in our diocesan schools, who are leading our students and one another to Christ.

Imagine, if you will, being a teacher this past year. Normally, you are responsible for the physical safety, the academic growth and the spiritual formation of your students, while supporting their parents as their first teachers.

It’s a big job.

Now, add physical safety in the time of a pandemic, mental and spiritual health during social unrest, support of families who are facing all sorts of COVID related issues — that is a tremendous responsibility.

Now do it with a smile and an open heart, knowing you are called to be an example of Christ’s love for all you encounter.

Our teachers and school staff do all of this. They have taken on this challenge of keeping our schools open and in-person and done it all with grace and love.

Imagine having all the responsibilities above, in addition to the financial wellbeing of the school, working with local health department officials, filling out paperwork, calming worried parents, dealing with discipline issues, handling facility issues, keeping the pastor and the community informed and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

That is what our Catholic school administrators have been doing, and doing exceptionally well.

They came into the school year with an open heart and a flexible attitude, understanding that the best place for our students is in school, where they can continue their education based in Gospel values.

They are examples of love in action every day.

And our students and their families? Our students come to school joyful and ready to learn. And although there are always bound to be some challenges, they are truly grateful to be there.

It has been a year of changes on top of changes, and our students, with that remarkable resiliency of youth, have taken each change on and thrived.

The support our parents (and grandparents) show our schools is beyond what any of us could hope for, especially in times where challenges seem to come from all sides.

To all our parents who do so much, and give us your support: thank you! You understand that a Catholic school is much more than a school; it is where the youngest disciples of Jesus are formed into tomorrow’s servant leaders. We are proud to be a part of your child’s journey.

I am so grateful to the shepherds of our journey: our pastors and our bishop.

Our pastors have so much on their plate, and yet they encourage our administrators and teachers while selflessly serving all of us.

The time and love they give our schools is so very important to the life and future of our Church. And to have a bishop who understands the vital necessity of Catholic education and its place among all the amazing outreach opportunities provided through the diocese, is a gift.

Bishop McKnight provides all the support and guidance we could possibly need, and more. We are blessed to be led by a shepherd who understands that Catholic schools must be affordable and accessible to all families who desire a Catholic education, and who is going the extra mile to make sure that happens.

Finally, there is not enough love and gratitude to give to our parishioners and supporters.

Because of you, our schools are able to stay open, but more than that: our students are gifted the best possible technology, our faculty and staff are able to be compensated more fairly for their work, our teachers are able to learn and grow through professional development, and so much more.

It is not an understatement to say our existence as schools depends on you all. Bless you all for your kindness, your generosity and your love!

With all the sad and scary stories in the world today, the story of the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Jefferson City is one of hope.

It makes sense that our story is different; Catholic schools are meant to be different. Our schools are places where Christ is encountered every day — through prayer, through joyful formation, through the people.

Our schools are where students are empowered, supported, challenged, engaged and inspired by their teachers, their studies and by Jesus.

Our schools are where we serve students, serve families, serve our faith and serve God.

Our schools are where we are able to show our love of God and our love for one another.

Our story — the story of the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Jefferson City — is a love story. I am grateful to be a part of it.

Comments