‘Come and see’—Encounter Christ in Catholic Education

January 26 – February 1, 2025, is Catholic Schools Week, the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. This is a great opportunity for me to thank all of our pastors, principals, faculties, and staffs throughout southern Missouri in our 23 elementary schools, three high schools, and all of our PSR programs. I also thank the parents who take their responsibility seriously to be the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith. That particular point, from the Rite of Baptism, highlights the fact that there must be cooperation between the parents and the school. Parents do not hand over their kids to be formed in the faith. No, the Catholic school collaborates with parents in the spiritual and the intellectual formation of children.

I was reading an article that addressed the focus of Catholic education, explaining the importance of having high standards, preparing students to become leaders, instilling morals and values, developing self-discipline, and the importance of self respect and serving others. In my mind, it was a lousy article. All the points I just mentioned could be said of a non-Catholic school. Even atheists have morals and values.

So what is the essence of Catholic education? We begin with a philosophical point which is actually crucial—our anthropology. Who are we and why are we here? Our faith tells us we are body and soul, we are temples of the Holy Spirit, the soul is eternal, we are made for worship, we are made for relationships and our hearts are restless until they rest in God. In our understanding of the human person—according to our anthropology, Christian anthropology—we are more than just a collection of cells. We are dignified by God with a soul, which is eternal. I have quoted countless times my favorite paragraph from the catechism, paragraph 27: The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to Himself. Only in God will we find the truth and happiness we never stop searching for.” Above all, our dignity rests on the fact that we are called to communion with God. That is the essence of our Christian anthropology. If we don’t get that right and if we don’t convey that Chrisitan view to those who come to our schools and institutions, then we’re no different than any other secular organization.

Now, as unimpressed as I was by the article mentioned above, which I disagreed with, I also read an article based on my Episcopal motto, “Come and See.” The article, from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) of which we are a member, reminds us that Catholic education fosters lifelong learning. And then it relates that same point to Catholic education: “Similarly, being a follower of Jesus is a lifelong process of encounter and learning. We are invited to experience Christ in ourselves and others, learn from the gospels, and emulate joyous Christians. When Catholic schools do this, our communities invite students and their families to ‘come and see’ who Jesus is and follow him as disciples in our world today.”

The words “come and see” could be over every door of our classrooms. When our students are in algebra class, or science, or history, or theology, every classroom should be a place where people can “come and see,” and encounter Jesus. “Come and see,” and encounter Jesus while teaching physics. Come and see,” and encounter Jesus while studying American Literature.” I think you get the point —every classroom should be a place of encounter with Jesus. Such an attitude requires a commitment from the principal and administrators, the faculty and staff, and those who serve in maintenance and food service. When all of that comes together, our institutions fulfill their purpose, advancing the mission of the Church. As I mentioned earlier, if we don’t get this right, if we don’t convey our Christian anthropology and fail to be part of the mission, then we’re no different than any other secular organization.

I thank all involved in the apostolate of Catholic education as they strive to be part of the mission!

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine.”

Published in the January 17, 2025 issue of The Mirror.
Photo: NCEA National Catholic Education Association

 

 

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