Principally Catholic Podcast - Episode #1

Well, I did it. The first episode of the Principally Catholic Podcast is officially open to everyone. It is a very boring episode, and I have already gotten some feedback on it. I am using Audacity to put it together, but I'm not finding that really friendly to use.

Future episodes will consist of "classes" or segments, that reflect the course of a regular school day. For instance, in Language Arts I may do a "book report" on something I've been reading about Catholic schools. Social Studies might look at the history of the Catholic School in the United States, or world. In the Religion class I might talk about the Catechism, etc.

If you have any suggestions, please leave me a comment.

Pax -

Catholic Schools Week 2009 Theme Highlights the Duty and Delight of Giving Back

From the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA):

As students head back to classrooms in Catholic schools and parish religious education programs around the country, they are being invited to "Celebrate Service" by volunteering in the community or parish. The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2009, “Catholic Schools Celebrate Service,” is setting the tone for the entire year, with posters, prayer services and rallies helping to introduce the theme.

Catholicism has a long and rich tradition of direct service to those in need, as well as social justice efforts to end social ills like racism and gender inequality. The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy focus on things that each individual believer can do to help others, like feeding the hungry and instructing the ignorant. The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching focus on solving long-term, systemic problems in society, like homelessness, poverty and violence.

NCEA has resources to help every Catholic school “celebrate service.” Press releases, prayer services, bookmarks, marketing kits, and catalog items can be found on our Catholic Schools Week Web page: /news/CatholicSchoolsWeek.asp

"In the Business of Making Saints"

I have a new job. Actually, it's the same job but in a different place. To be more specifically vague, I have a new employer, at a different school, with similar respopnsibilities but a different focus.

Last week, school started at the Catholic school where I am the new assistant principal. It has been the best three first days of school since I started teaching. There were a number of reasons why, I think.

1. The staff was energized and well-prepared to go back to school.We went to Mass on Wednesday (first day of school) and Friday (The Feast of the Assumption)
2. I have a new focus on why I am an administrator.

Obviously I am there to help "run the school." But let's face it, a good school is run by the teachers and front office staff. I am kicking myself for not starting our in the Catholic school system. I'd have fewer grey hairs if I had.

But I think the real reason I, and the staff and the parents are there (or here on Earth for that matter) is to make these children saints.

In his homily on Friday, Father Joe reminded the children of that fact. God wants us, anyone involved with children, to be "in the business of making saints." How simple and concise. But, how do we do that?

Set The Example

Unless we are trying to become saints ourselves, how can we ask our children to do so?

• Do you know your faith?
• Have you read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and understand it?
• Do you break open the Word of God every day?
• Do you pray by yourself AND with your family?

If you answered anything but YES to any of the above, you are not trying to become a saint.

Teach Them

Parents are the primary teachers of their children. A solid Catholic education is essential in making a saint. They can receive that from a Catholic school or CCD classes. But in addition, it MUST be taught at home. What should be taught?

The FOUR "R's":

• Reading - We all know how important this is! Read with them, especially Scipture.
• WRiting - Have them write letters instead of email or instant messaging once in awhile. Patience is a virtue.
• ARithmatic - There are different ways of teaching Math, just like there are different ways of learning Math. Understand how your children learn and are being taught.
• Religion - What can you teach them about their faith? Educate yourself. Attend Adult Catechesis classes. Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Know your faith.

We are all in the business of making saints.

What an AWSOME job.

Cross-Posted at My Catholic Reflections

How it all began....

It was May of 1981. One of the last days of school in my 8th grade year. Sister Elaine Marie was was giving the class their end of the year awards. The last pin, the Leadership award, was about to be given out. I really do not recall if I had received any awards up to this point, and I didn't expect to receive this one. After all, everyone knew Brian was the leader of out 8th grade class of 10. But she called my name instead. I was very surprised. And confused. Brian was the leader, I was second banana.

I still have that pin. I often pull it out of the container where I keep all my pins and tie clips just to remind myself of my obligation.

I have tried over the last 27 years to nurture my leadership potential. I eventually became a husband, a father, a teacher, then a principal. My professional niche was working with the at risk kids no one else wanted to have in their classes. I did that for ten years. Then I felt a call.

They say that education is a vocation. You feel called to it. Well if that is true, then Catholic education is a ministry. Obviously, any work we do to help proclaim the Gospel to others is a ministry. It can be as a parent, as a priest, a Pope, or a lunchlady in a Catholic school. Mine happens to be as an Assistant Principal of a 450+ student PK-8 school in Kentucky.

I am a product of Catholic education up to through the 8th grade. I never would have guessed or thought I would end up in a Catholic school as an educator. My rationale has always been the standard, "They don't make enough," or "The retirement and health insurance stinks." Well, last month I realized that it's not about the money (it never is) or the insurance, or the retirement.

I have been in education for 14 years. The last four as a principal. The last 13 in public schoools. This year I took the leap to become an Assistant Principal of a Catholic school. Whay didn't I do this before?

My hope with this blog (an an aoompanying podcast I hope) is to give you a perspective of American Catholic Education through various "segments" or areas. Bear with me. I'll be learning as you will, I hope.

God Bless,

Darren