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It seems these days that our culture is focused on the question of individual identity. Young people are searching to find out who they are.
They are yearning to define themselves in the world and to give their lives specific meaning. Whether it is the type of clothes they wear, the music they listen to, the food they eat, the company they keep, or their social media profile and postings on Facebook and Instagram, etc., everyone seems to be engaged in the tasking of forging a unique identity in the search to add meaning and significance to their life.
Searching for meaning
The question of the meaning of human existence is not new. People have been asking this ever since the dawn of time. “Who am I?” “What is the meaning of life?” “What is the meaning of my life?”All of the world’s great philosophers have grappled with this question as have the Church Fathers such as St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and each and every one of the saints. It is a question that each and every one of us must engage and answer for ourselves.
Yet how do you answer this question? How does a person know who he or she truly is? How do you know who you are meant to be, and what you are supposed to do with your life?
Catholic schools provide answers
These are exactly the questions that our Catholic schools help our students answer. Catholic schools teach children that they are unique, one-of-a-kind persons who were created in the image and likeness of God out of his pure love for them.
They learn that God has a purpose for their lives and that He has given them specific talents to develop so they can answer his call to lead courageous lives of virtue, service, compassion, truth, and love and do great things in this world.
This is what our Catholic schools help our students come to know and understand — that they are special, unique, talented, important, wanted, needed, and loved by God.
Encountering God’s love
Our students learn this not just by being told, but by encountering the God’s love, care and concern reflected in the words and actions of teachers, secretaries, cooks, custodians, aides, volunteers, pastors, priests, and the entire school community.
Through the lessons and examples of all these people, through the years of grade school, students learn the importance of hard work, honesty, integrity compassion, service, patience, sacrifice, empathy, and self-discipline.
They begin to learn what they are truly capable of doing, and they are invited every day to come to know and love God that they might hear his voice and follow his plan for their lives. This is the path of holiness and ultimate happiness. This is the path on which Catholic schools set their students.
Catholic schools teach children who they are — beloved children of God created in his own image and likeness for a specific purpose unique to them. Catholic schools develop children’s knowledge, talents, and skills, fostering their faith and a personal relationship with God so that each child begins to seek God’s call in their life.
Schools develop virtues
Catholic schools develop virtues, so students learn to recognize and hear God’s call, that they may follow it and fulfill it.
Confident and secure in who they are and what they are called to do, our students are prepared for lives of great service, achievement, holiness, happiness, and peace.
This week we celebrate our Catholic schools and the incredible work they do to educate and form our students in knowledge, faith, and virtue. I invite you to look up your local school on the web and participate in the activities this week, or inquire about touring or volunteering.
Thank you for your involvement in and support of our Catholic schools.
God bless you.
Michael Lancaster is the superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Madison.