Catholic Schools Week

The Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp

LGBTQIA+ Person of Faith

Executive Director, LOVEboldly

Quote

“Untilled ground, however rich, will bring forth thistles and thorns; so also, the mind of [humans].”

St. Teresa of Avila

Devotion

Catholic Schools Week begins today. This week, an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States and is often celebrated in Catholic elementary schools and high schools with “spirit” events—“Crazy Hat Day” was always my favorite.

Not only did I grow up Roman Catholic, I attended 13 years of Catholic education and also worked at Catholic colleges for seven years. I like to think that Catholicism is in my rearview mirror, but I remain deeply rooted in Catholic education and the Catholic intellectual tradition. Friends who grew up in other traditions are often shocked to learn that Catholicism has a rich academic tradition including the father of genetics, Gregor Mendal, who was a priest, and the formation of the scientific method in the work of Roger Bacon and William of Ockham, both of whom were Franciscan friars.

Yet, more than the traditions and the achievements of Catholic intellectuals, there’s something special about Catholic education that I continue to find compelling. No doubt Catholic education is far from perfect and often ascribes to a more conservative pedagogy than I’m comfortable with as an educator, but Catholic education gave me the space to develop as a person and to ask tough questions about the world and about faith. That education set me up for success in college and in my education to this day.

I never really lived as a Queer Catholic. I came out already mostly out the door and so I sometimes romanticize my experience in Catholic education. I recognize and lament the reality that many Queer couples find less-than positive situations, if not outright rejection, in Catholic school communities when they enroll their students. I also know that Catholic schools vary greatly in their politics, their theology, and their acceptance of students and families. That said, I choose to celebrate Catholic schools and pray they continue to live up to their missions and the best of their values.

Reflection

1. Did you attend Catholic schools? How was that experience for you? How do you still experience dynamics of your time attending Catholic schools?

2. What does religious education mean to you?

Action

Whatever kind of schools you attended, reach out to one of your teachers and thank them or let them know the impact they had on you.