Work or ministry?

Catholic education has been integral to my life for decades. I cherish my years as a student in Catholic schools, am a proud parent of the academic and spiritual development of my children as graduates of Catholic schools, and am blessed to have served students, teachers, administrators, and families of Catholic schools in various capacities. Holding such an appreciation for the value of Catholic education, I reflect upon individual words: work … ministry.  

Education in the United States is held in such esteem that it is considered one of the strongest aspects of our way of life. Its value is so important that all students are provided the opportunity to attend school. It is the belief of our American society that through education, individuals, and therefore society, can prosper. From our founding fathers to current politicians, the importance of education is vital to the future success of a society. We’ve all heard the saying, “the children are our future.” It is through the development and formation of students that we see the creation of new technologies and ideas to solve problems and make the world a better place. Public schools in the United States are made available to all students to receive a quality education to thereby enrich the entire society and its future.  

While evidence certainly supports the importance of education to which we can all agree, the mission of Catholic schools goes a step further. Catholic schools exist to provide not only academic excellence, but a foundation in faith. Students are educated in academic disciplines and religious studies with an integration of the Gospel message into all aspects of the school community. The mission of Catholic schools is to educate the whole child to go forth in Christian service to others. Students are guided to use knowledge to make faith-filled decisions that positively impact the church and the world around them through the integration of Catholic values into all aspects of academic life. Catholic school students are guided and formed to use their knowledge in service as Jesus did.
 
“Work needs to be a reflection of your social values. You are how you work!” (Leigh Steinberg). Does my work reflect what I value? In reflecting on my experiences in Catholic education, I have thoughtfully considered my values regarding education in general, and Catholic school education specifically. Catholic schools have been part of my life since I was in kindergarten. I have experienced Catholic education through the years as a student, parent, teacher and administrator. While academic standards have been revised over the years, the mission of Catholic schools to bring students to a stronger relationship with Christ and to understand the role of faith in their life and the world around them has remained steadfast. As I reflect on this fundamental mission of Catholic schools, how has my experience in Catholic education evolved? Do the values that I learned as a Catholic school student guide my practices today as a Catholic school administrator? 

A cursory review of the importance of education and the mission of Catholic education was the beginning of reflection on my ministry as an educator in the Catholic school environment. Are my Catholic values evident in my work? For as long as I can remember, I have valued knowledge and the pursuit of knowledge. School was always a place of enlightenment for me, a place that allowed me to gain a better understanding of the world around me. I loved acquiring new information and skills, working with others, and challenging myself to broaden my thoughts and ideas. These passions were developed in a Catholic school environment that allowed me to grow in faith and a greater understanding of how knowledge and skills can be used for the greater good of others. Catholic schools helped form me with a focus on the development of the whole person—mind, body, spirit. Furthermore, all skills and standards were presented with respect for individuals as being made in the image and likeness of God. Have these values transferred to my ministry in Catholic education?

The acquisition of knowledge and skills develops the mind. However, when learning occurs in a faith-filled environment, it also encompasses the heart. With knowledge, we are better able to understand the world around us. With faith, we are able to use our knowledge about the world around us to act in service toward others. True understanding that involves the head and the heart leads to compassion and respect for others. The more we know about science, math, the arts, and our faith, the better able we are to identify the physical, emotional and mental needs of others and are called to action. Catholic schools offer a foundation of understanding of not only academic disciplines but also the heart of people. The skills and standards taught in the various academic disciplines in our Catholic schools continually remind us that we are called to act with respect and love for all people. Knowledge is an important core value; however, it is not complete if not rooted in faith.

When we develop our intellect regarding the world around us in conjunction with a heart of respect for others, we are able to work collaboratively to accomplish a goal. Collaboration allows individuals to utilize God-given gifts to assist others while simultaneously growing in wisdom and understanding by learning from the insight of others. Catholic schools strive to help students identify their gifts, as well as respect the talents of others. While we are all made in the image and likeness of God, we were all provided with different gifts and talents. We are called, as people, to use our gifts in collaboration with others for the greater good of all. In all walks of life, we are tasked with working respectfully with others. 

Knowledge and collaboration, when combined with an environment rooted in faith, allow students to explore new ideas. Individuals become better equipped to make decisions that positively impact communities. We learn that with an increase in knowledge and opportunity, we have a greater responsibility to help others. Catholic schools epitomize this mission through the incorporation of service into the academic environment. Furthermore, extracurricular activities such as retreats, spiritual activities, athletic events, academic competitions, and performing arts activities demonstrate the many positive outcomes that occur when students gather as a community sharing knowledge and talents to fully realize the importance of faith in daily life activities.

My experiences as a student, parent, educator and administrator in Catholic schools have indeed supported and expounded upon the idea from Leigh Steinberg. Work that is a reflection of social values becomes more than a job, it becomes a ministry, a work of heart. The ministry of those in Catholic education is guided by a faith-based foundation in the acquisition of knowledge to help form students to understand the world. An educational focus on academic excellence rooted in our Catholic faith is indeed a mission that is dear to me as we serve the students, faculties, administrators and families in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

(Gerrie Byrne is the diocesan associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction.)