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Bishops Reflect on the Role of the Catholic Teacher
The following is a series of excerpts from the second of a series of pastoral letters from the Alberta Conference of Catholic Bishops on Catholic Education.
A Burning and Shining Lamp: The Role of the Teacher in the Catholic School
"There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth... He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for awhile in his light." John 5:32-33, 35
We, the bishops of Alberta, applaud the essential work that [teachers] do to nourish the faith life of their students who are on their journey with the Lord, and who often are much in need of extensive faith formation. [...] We must also keep in mind that our teachers, like all of us, are on a journey of faith, and they must be allowed every opportunity to develop and be formed into "burning and shining lamps" for Christ.
The bishops of Alberta recognize the following as essential:
The teacher in the Catholic school is a witness for Christ and his Church. First and foremost, all teachers in our Catholic schools must be active and articulate witnesses to the One for whom Catholic schools exist - Jesus Christ.
The teacher in the Catholic school knows Christ and his Church. As a witness for Christ and his Church, the teacher in the Catholic school must be adequately trained for the mission. [...] While a solid foundation in theology is important, a complete formation program will involve prayer, service, and participation in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
The teacher in the Catholic school is a model of faith in the Trinity. The mystery of the Holy Trinity of God is the example par excellence of community. Teachers in our schools reflect the model of love and community that is found in the Father, Son and Spirit. They reflect the community of the Trinity in their partnerships with the parents and guardians of their students. [...] Teachers must be seen as advocates for justice, both in the world and in the school hallway. Teachers reflect the communal love of the Trinity in their participation in the Sunday Eucharist at their local parish.
The teacher in the Catholic school is an advocate for social justice. If our Catholic schools are to be places where transformation of the culture will be nourished, teachers will be important motivators of this mission [...]. Every program of study in our current curriculum can be a tool for transforming the culture and forming our young people into compassionate human beings as well as critical thinkers.
The teacher in the Catholic school is supported by the faith community. We must make every effort as a Church to care for, nurture, and celebrate our teachers.
We, the bishops of Alberta, call upon the teachers in the Catholic schools of Alberta to be "burning and shining lights" - witnesses for Christ, instructors for the Church, models of faith in the Trinity, and advocates for social justice. We call upon all the faithful to celebrate and support them in their vital ministry and mission.
click here to see the slideshow of Father Bob on this topic |
