Essential Marks of a Catholic School - Service

This week we look at what Archbishop Miller sees as a starting point in ‘how we are to serve’.

Firstly, Miller quotes Saint Pope John Paul II in underlining the role of Bishops in ensuring formation for service - an ‘object of special attention as shepherds of the People of God’.  In addition, Miller informs that the clergy are called to ensure an emphasis on such formation. This enables the laity to take on co-responsibilities in the Catholic parish school.

Secondly, principals, leaders and teachers must then set their service from a platform of good relationships built on ‘valuing, respecting and caring for’ students as good shepherds. In this, Miller describes the student-teaching relationship ‘as always a dialogue rather than a monologue, and the teacher must be convinced that the enrichment in the relationship is mutual,' (Lay Catholics in Schools: Witnesses to Faith). This refers to enabling student voice and agency.

Thirdly, the ‘educator can never forget that students need a companion and guide during their period of growth; they need help from others in order to overcome doubts and disorientation’. This refers to serving through accompaniment. However, this ‘ought to be a prudent combination of familiarity and distance, and adapted to the needs of each individual student’. This refers to knowing our students.

Catholic Schools then serve to safeguard the priority of the whole person through the proper friendship between teachers and students, as ‘an authentic formative process can only be initiated through personal relationships’. As always Christian service always starts with love.

Gary Reen

Assistant Director, School Evangelisation and Catechetical Services