by Vince Cascone
Recently, a friend of mine who used to be a teacher in a Catholic school shared with me a message he received from a former student he taught about 30 years ago. After accepting a friend request on social media, this former student sent him the following message:
“I want to tell you what a huge influence you were on me growing up. I really looked up to you. I had a horrible home life and my escape was school. I wish I could put into words how much of an impact you had on me. I truly appreciate all you did for me.”
My friend was sincerely confused about what he did to have such a great impact on his former student. He could not remember any major thing he did. I shared with my friend my thought that perhaps it was not one big thing he had done but many small things he did on a daily basis that had such a great impact.
Jonathan Doyle of One Catholic Teacher gives his definition of what he calls “God’s economy.” Our culture focuses on ideas like “bigger is better.” But with God, said Doyle, “when you die, [God] will show you all of the small details you did that were transformative in the lives of others.”
Annually, I visit each of our 42 schools. These school visits usually include a tour of the school and a conversation with the principal.
At the beginning of this school year, I told the principals I wanted to meet with faculty members when I visited. One principal had the idea that I could spend my visit in the faculty lounge during lunch periods. This would allow me to meet with most of the teachers, paraprofessionals and anyone else who contributed to the overall functioning of the school.
To date, I have visited almost half of the schools throughout the archdiocese. I have spoken with so many of our faculty members during these visits. I talked to first-year teachers as well as teachers who have been teaching in Catholic schools for many years.
I am amazed at what our faculty members do for their students. One thing is very clear: They love them. Their work is certainly profound. After all, they are helping to bring the students into a relationship with Jesus.
That being said, one teacher quoted St. Mother Teresa when I asked what she tries to do for her students: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”
I am grateful for our faculty members who do so much for our students in both great ways and small ways.
