“A Christian education does not merely strive for the maturing of a human person…but has as its principal purpose this goal: that the baptized, while they are gradually introduced the knowledge of the mystery of salvation, become ever more aware of the gift of Faith they have received, and that they learn in addition how to worship God the Father in spirit and truth…also that they develop into perfect manhood, to the mature measure of the fullness of Christ.”- Gravissimum Educationis
Reflection on Catholic Education
The Second Vatican Council states that Catholic education is ultimately Christocentric. This means that since Christ is the author of creation all subjects are a reflection of Him. The purpose of Catholic education is to instruct the ignorant and love learning for its own sake because it reflects Christ. Many other educational disciplines focus on the utilitarian aspect of education, and attempt to answer questions such as “why do we need to learn this?” or “when will we use this?” However, while Catholic education can answer these questions it chooses to order those questions properly. Catholic education transforms questions of utility into questions pertaining to our final end such as “what does this say about our role in creation and who Christ is?” and “how does this sanctify us?”.
I believe that Catholic education not only prompts students to ponder deep questions, but also shows that education happens in and outside of the classroom. While it is great that students have a strong intellectual life, a strong spiritual life is also important. The thoughts students have in class are all for naught if they do not end in prayer. As Hans Urs Von Balthasaar wrote, “Theology is done on one’s knees”. I have taken this quote to heart throughout my life and it has extended beyond Theology. Ultimately I see it as learning not for the sake of vanity, but for the sake of meditating on who Christ is. Therefore, as an educator I believe my role in Catholic education is to be a conduit of God’s grace by bringing students to prayer.
Mr. John Morales grew up in Rhode Island and went to college at Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts. In 2023 he graduated with a bachelor of arts in Theology, and began to discern the call of teaching. For two years he served for the St. Thomas More Teaching Fellows which seek to revitalize Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Boston. While in Boston John was very involved in his Parish Young Adult Group at St. Mary of the Assumption in Brookline, MA. He now attends St. Patrick’s in Newport. In his free time Mr. Morales enjoys spending lots of time outside trying to walk on off-beaten paths or staying inside and playing music.