Catholic Education: Even during trying times, we can pray, reflect, realize our blessings

By Misty Poe | Guest Columnist

I have been in Catholic education for more than 25 years, but the things I have lived and experienced this year have been incomparable.
At the beginning of March, we planned and dreamed of our time off during Spring Break, only to find out that the break could get prolonged and could pose a disruption on our instruction. As quickly as we could, we gathered all school administrators to come up with a plan to offer distance learning opportunities for our students. I am proud to report we were up and running with a full e-learning platform in all 20 Catholic schools in our diocese, in a matter of days. This was truly a testament to the dedicated employees we have serving in each of our schools.
Through it all, God has graced me with the opportunity to reflect on what the past years have taught me, and how those lessons have been instrumental as we have navigated this pandemic.
Although planning, scheduling and considering possible scenarios are necessary to be successful in the classroom, and in any ministry we are called to, I resort back to my faith and knowing that the Lord is always in charge. It is through his grace and the Holy Spirit, that we receive the inspiration to form children in wisdom and holiness. By living in this truth, I have found my vocation in education to be more fruitful and more freeing.
In Corinthians we hear, “As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ.” This message resonates with me because I am better when I am part of a community because my deficiencies are covered by the strengths of others. This year I have seen that reality play out on many levels.
During this COVID-19 season, despite the many decisions that needed to be discerned, I had a great team of individuals walking with me: from colleagues in other dioceses in Texas, to senior diocesan leaders, to my direct network of principals and teammates. We all worked together for a common goal. What a beautiful feeling it is to know we are not alone, and that Christ gives us one another to accompany us on the road.
Remaining positive and taking time to recognize blessings during challenging times has been one of the greatest lessons learned throughout my career. Taking it a step further, I have discovered that prayer helps me to see things from Christ’s perspective. Prayer has been the backbone of every decision we have made, and through prayer, we have discovered the blessings in our midst: the ability to serve families remotely and in person, the ability to grow stronger spiritually as a community, and the ability to treasure the time we are physically together. These gifts allow us to look beyond the challenges of our times and focus on a brighter future.
I came across this verse (source unknown), written specifically for teachers, but I think it applies to many different realities. This year as we focus on how blessed we are to be part of a unique community of faith and service, I pray that we remember God is faithful and his love is written in pen.
“This year, I will use pencil.
This year, I will plan weekly.
This year, I will erase more.
This year, I will be more flexible.
But in pen I will write scriptures.
In pen, I will write His promises.
In pen, I will be reminded that He comforts those who are weary.
In pen, I will declare that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
This year, in the midst of writing in pencil and using that eraser a lot more than normal, remember that God is still good and His love is written in pen.”
Misty Poe is the superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Austin. She can be reached at [email protected] or (512) 949-2499.