I want to be a Catholic Educator. Why do you ask?

As Canada moved into the twenty-first century, concerns arose regarding the potential closure of Catholic schools nationwide. While Ontario, along with Alberta and Saskatchewan, continues to receive full provincial funding for Catholic education (Coren, 2022), Newfoundland and Labrador witnessed the closure of many rural schools due to declining enrollment, influenced by demographic and social changes (Higgins, 2011). As more and more families withdraw from Catholic schools in my home province, is Ontario on that same path?

Questions persist about why funding persists for Catholic schools, especially given criticisms that some of the beliefs and practices are perceived “archaic” and contradict Ontario’s Human Rights Code (Urback, 2022). Additionally, concerns arise about the unsupportive environment these institutions may create for youth questioning their sexual identities. Moreover, the Catholic Church faces numerous issues, including decades of sexual assault allegations, mistreatment of Indigenous peoples, and controversial stances on issues like abortion and procreation. Furthermore, Catholic schools in Ontario have legal permission to discriminate in hiring based on faith commitment, which some argue violates the Human Rights Code (Mulligan, p. 23). These factors raise questions about the relevance and legitimacy of these institutions in modern society. And rightfully so. The Catholic Church and its teachings, about 2000 years old, is trying to keep up with the influx of change in society, And with much public scrutiny, they continue to swim upstream.

So why do I want to be a Catholic Educator?

Despite these concerns, my desire to become a Catholic educator remains strong. I hold steadfast to my faith in Christ and the four pillars that constitute my belief: The Creed, Sacraments, Morality (or Life in Christ), and Prayer. While acknowledging the flaws within the Church, I find solace in our collective belief in the Paschal Mystery.

The Paschal Mystery teaches us the redemptive power of suffering and the ability to rise above challenges; the ‘living, dying, and rising’ in life is a natural process in our lives. (Alliance for Catholic Education, 2021). Though the concept may seem dramatic, it encapsulates the idea that through life's trials, we can find strength and renewal. This belief guides me in navigating personal adversities and inspires me to be a source of support and empathy for my students.

I have lived through much adversity and my faith has given me the strength to navigate these sufferings. And because of these challenges and rising above them, I have the desire to be an instrument of God to teach and be empathetic toward students’ everyday challenges and triumphs. And again, suffering does not mean it must be deathly catastrophic – it could mean a failure on a test, a difficult relationship or bully, or anxiety about the first dance at school. And successes could mean a new friend, overcoming a fear, or delivering a well-thought-out presentation. Whatever it may be, I want to be the channel from the Divine to my students and help them navigate through their personal and academic journey. In addition, I want to contextualize the Scriptures to give students a better understanding of its teachings. As a Catholic educator, I recognize the importance of contextualizing the teachings of the Bible to help students understand how God is present in their lives, guiding them through challenges and triumphs.

In today's world, filled with modern technologies, busy schedules, and numerous distractions, connecting with one's faith can be challenging for students. As educators, we face the task of strengthening their faith amidst these distractions. It's not about isolating students from the modern world or disconnecting them from technology. Instead, it's about helping them slow down, reflect, and anchor themselves in their faith.

We can achieve this by incorporating moments of prayer, reflection, and spiritual contemplation into their daily lives. Encouraging students to take breaks from their devices, or their busy schedules, even if just for a few moments each day, to engage in prayer or quiet reflection can help them reconnect with their faith. Additionally, providing opportunities for meaningful discussions about how faith is integrated throughout the curriculum can further deepen their spiritual connection.

Ultimately, our goal as Catholic educators is to guide students in understanding and embracing their faith, even amidst the challenges of modern life. By providing them with the tools and support they need to nurture their spiritual growth, we can help them navigate life's obstacles with strength and resilience.

To me, being a Catholic Educator means recognizing and supporting the holistic development of each student. This involves acknowledging and nurturing their academic, social, emotional, and spiritual facets. In terms of academics, it's about providing a comprehensive education that includes subjects like math, science, and literature, all while integrating Catholic teachings to instill strong moral values. By exploring Sacred Scripture in literature and recognizing the divine creation in math and science, students can understand God's presence in their academic pursuits.

Socially, it's important to foster meaningful relationships and community bonds, mirroring Jesus' example of surrounding himself with supportive family and disciples. As educators, we should engage with diverse communities to carry out our civic duties in alignment with our faith.

Emotionally, we must be prepared to support students through their ups and downs, celebrating their joys and providing guidance during difficult times. Advocating for mental health and being a compassionate listener are essential aspects of this support.

Spiritually, we guide students in understanding the intangible aspects of their lives, such as the Holy Trinity and God's presence in all things. By helping them develop their spiritual connection, we enable them to navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience.

Furthermore, being a Catholic Educator involves practicing what we teach and prioritizing self-care to ensure we are well-equipped to support our students. This includes receiving the Holy Eucharist, prayer, and finding solace in nature to strengthen our connection with God.

Ultimately, God serves as our guide and inspiration in our vocation as educators, shaping our approach to teaching and enriching the lives of our students.

References:

Alliance for Catholic Education. (January 27, 2021). Ten Reasons Why Catholic

Education Still Matters. https://ace.nd.edu/resources/ten-reasons-why-catholic-education-still-matters.

Coren, M. Why Are We Still Paying for Catholic Schools? The Walrus,

https://thewalrus.ca/why-are-we-still-paying-for-catholic-schools/

Higgins, J. (2011). The Collapse of Denominational Education. Heritage

Newfoundland and Labrador, https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/society/collapse-denominational-education.php

Mulligan, J. (1999). Catholic Education: The Future is Now. Novalis.

Urback, R. (2022, October 27). Why do we allow Ontario’s Catholic school system to

violate the Charter? The Globe and Mail, https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-why-do-we-allow-ontarios-catholic-school-system-to-violate-the-charter/.