Schools as Field Hospitals
We were blessed last week to hear Doug Tooke, the incomparable youth minister/speaker from the Diocese of Helena. Tooke used Pope Francis’s metaphor of Catholic schools as field hospitals, triaging the needs of our students. He compared the Catholic schools to MASH units—messy, concerned with stabilizing and serving the needs of those most in need. For all of us conditioned to think of schools and parishes as stable institutions where people come to be served, he challenged us to meet our students where they are to accompany them on their journeys of faith.
There’s no question that students (of any age) can be difficult to accompany at time. There’s no value in blaming parents or parishes for the lack of religious formation, said Tooke. Our call is to meet our students like Hawkeye and Hunnicut did in their field hospital. Figure out what needs to be done, get it done, and send them along.
He also challenged teachers and principals to think of themselves as evangelizers, committed to building enthusiasm among students. He challenged us all to examine our prayer lives and our spiritual vocabularies. As Tooke pointed out, it’s almost too easy to find an app to engage in spirituality. “Find something to add scripture and reflection to your busy life,” he said.
The main tool for building up one’s prayer life is prayer. Tooke talked about the need to build the vocabulary and practice of prayer among young people. For a great discussion, check out Roy Petitfils’ podcast entitled “Today’s Teenager.” Roy spoke to our new teachers last year and just last week he interviewed Tooke on his podcast. It’s a great listen.
On the last day, Tooke spoke to the new teachers about burnout. Burnout is real among church ministers and it’s no different for teachers. Long hours, low pay, social isolation all are present in teaching. Finding and cultivating friendships in order to recharge our batteries is imperative, said Tooke.
On to our field hospitals!
Dr. Tim Uhl, Superintendent
Blame it on the Antelope!
Montana Catholic Schools
Email: superintendent@montanacc.org
Website: www.montanacatholicschools.org
Location: PO Box 1708 Helena MT 59601
Phone: (406) 442-5761
Twitter: @mtcathschools
