|
Pastors play role in student learning, discerning
By Ambria Hammel, The Catholic Sun
February 7, 2008
A priest may instruct churchgoers on the ways of living the Gospel every week, but his teaching time doesn’t always end when he steps down from the pulpit.
Sunday preaching is only the beginning for priests whose parish has a Catholic school.
Besides leading religious education, pastors foster personal interaction with everyone on campus and promote vocations among the students.
The teaching part comes naturally for some priests. Holy Cross Father John Herman said his order was founded with the Catholic education of youth in mind.
“I love their enthusiasm and their desire to learn,” said Fr. Herman, pastor at St. John Vianney School in Goodyear. He routinely greets the students during the morning assembly and as they leave church.
Fr. Herman steps into the classroom whenever he can. He recently found himself explaining to the third-graders the significance of religious medals.
Fr. Herman wishes he had more time to spend with the students because he considers it a blessing, but other pastoral duties prevent it.
Classroom visits — whether scheduled or impromptu — are a regular part of most pastors’ duties. The priests see it as a time to teach and the students are often eager to show off their knowledge or learn more about the life of the Church or the life of a priest.
Michael Evans, principal of San Francisco de Asís School in Flagstaff, said Fr. Patrick Mowrer engages student interest when he visits the classrooms each week.
“He loves to play ‘Stump the Priest’ with our fifth-graders to see if they can come up with religious questions he is unable to answer,” Evans said.
Fr. Rob Clements teaches eighth-grade religion class every week at Ss. Simon and Jude School. He said the students always ask great questions and they usually share a lot of laughs. He loves watching the youth better understand the mysteries of the faith.
The job has its share of difficulties though. Fr. Clements said helping the students maintain a steadfast prayer life is a constant struggle, especially if the faith isn’t modeled in the home.
“Reaching and evangelizing our school parents is an immense pastoral challenge of our times,” Fr. Clements said. Parents want a quality education, he added, “but it’s entirely removed from the practice of the Catholic faith.”
Personal matters
That’s part of why getting to know the students on a more personal level is important. Some priests are able to do so on a limited basis at daily Mass where they teach and quiz the students during homilies.
Fr. Thaddeus McGuire sees his students every morning when they begin their day together at Mass. The St. Daniel the Prophet pastor said it’s important to “have the children start the day by being fed at the two tables of the Eucharist and the Word.”
“I feel like I’m right in there with God when he’s in the room. He’s just so great as a father,” first-grader Brandi Wenzl said of Fr. McGuire.
When St. John Bosco students attend Mass, Fr. Gary Regula ensures they actively participate. Principal Shelley Conner said Fr. Regula, pastor at St. Benedict Parish, has the students repeat “Amen” if he feels there isn’t enough volume or enthusiasm behind it.
He, like most priests, finds it’s easier to connect with the students outside of the church and classroom. Priests say the children are more apt to share in an informal setting.
“I try to do lunchroom detail,” said Holy Cross Father John Dougherty, pastor of St. Gregory Parish.
He makes small talk with the students, reminds them about manners and helps the younger ones open drinks. Fr. Dougherty said the kids love the interaction.
Students at St. John Vianney School like it, too.
“They all fight over whose table I will sit at,” Fr. Herman said.
Pastors also find themselves working with the student council, judging the science fair, playing with the students at recess and cheering on the school’s team at sporting events.
On the spiritual side, the priests often help students discover their vocation. Fr. Dougherty said just being present on campus can encourage religious vocations.
Fr. McGuire agreed. He said the personal contact allows the students to see religious life in action.
“When they see the life of a priest in all of its fullness,” Fr. McGuire said, “the thought of considering a calling to the priesthood becomes more of a reality.”
“One of the inherent strengths of a Catholic education,” Fr. McGuire said, “is that children come to understand whom they were created to be and live out the two great commandments of love of God and love of neighbor.”
Catherine E. Hanley in Flagstaff contributed to this story.
|
