September 6

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As many of us are probably aware of by now, Labor Day is quite late this year. This has had an impact on many things, most notably with the start of the school year. Even here at St. Charles, we made the important decision to begin the academic year a bit early, with this past Wednesday being the first day of school. But whether it’s September 2nd or September 8th, the start of another school year is worth acknowledging and reflecting upon.

Throughout my educational career, I’ve been blessed with wonderful teachers. Many of them were caring and attentive, despite at times, the fact that I was not always the best student in terms of preparedness and in completing work. I was often afforded extra chances that I didn’t necessarily deserve, but they were kind enough to offer. But many of my teachers also saw and encouraged a greater potential in me. Mrs. Fauver in 2nd grade encouraged my creativity, Ms. Swalm in 5th grade encouraged me to succeed academically without fear of standing out, Mrs. Gutelius encouraged me to be myself, warts and all. There are many other moments and teachers that helped me, encouraged me, and shaped me into the person I am today that have my gratitude and love for all that they did, even if I didn’t always show my appreciation at the time.

I think it’s critical to acknowledge the tremendous good that educators create in the lives of their students. It’s hard, demanding work to go in day after day and form the hearts and minds of young people, with constraints of limited time and resources, changing expectations of parents and state standards, and the classroom dynamics that change from year to year and in some cases, from period to period. Really and truly, it is a vocation all of its own. But for those called to this kind of work, there is so much good that is possible and achieved, even if it sometimes takes years to see the fruit of it.

I want to encourage all the educators connected to our own parish and school, whether they teach right here in the building or in the surrounding districts or even universities. Never underestimate the impact a good teacher has on their students. Know that you are valued for what you put in and sacrifice in your career year after year. Be a beacon of learning to those who are hungry (and even those not so hungry) to know more about themselves and the world around them. May the Lord bless you and your efforts in the year ahead. May you know to turn to the Lord in moments of difficulty so that He may strengthen you. And may the seeds of knowledge you help to plant in the lives of your students bear abundant fruit for years to come!

Peace and Goodness, Fr. Dan