Catholic school principals/teachers gather to prepare for new school year

by Sr. Betty Larson

On Tuesday, September 3, 2002, 3,178 students entered the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of New Ulm to begin another school year. However, there were many hours of preparation prior to this day.

The Catholic school principals gathered on August 15 for a day of reflection and sharing. The topic of the day was "Humor, its life-giving and life-saving character-istics." Catholic school principals play a very important role in the education of our children for they are the people who are responsible for the faith-formation of the staff in the school. They need to be affirmed if they are to carry out this roll.

On August 26, fifty-three new as well as veteran teachers and administrators gathered. The topic of the day was the "Vocation of the Teacher in a Catholic School." The teachers were welcomed by Bishop John C. Nienstedt. Sister Betty Larson gave the presenta-tion. There was a lot of energy exhibited as all were anticipating the beginning of the school year and the role of teacher - for many of them this is a first job.

The focus of the day centered on the idea that teaching in our schools is a vocation - a call from God to share his life and love through education and formation. This commitment is based on a relationship with God that is fed with daily prayer. Time spent in preparation is necessary for the transmission of information to the students. Participation in activities both in school and out is another component, and proclamation of Jesus’ love for us in word and in action.

It is the daily call of each teacher to be a teacher of religion in their specific area of the curriculum. It is not just the responsibility of the religion teachers. The witness of a deep relationship with Jesus in daily life is the best teacher.

This year a special effort will again be made to incorporate the Christian Social Principles into the daily lives of the students. These can be summed up in the three activities: prayer, scripture, and service.

Sr. Betty Larson is Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of New Ulm.