I TEACH MIDDLE SCHOOL Physical Education (PE) at St. Hedwig Catholic School. I lead my students in prayer at the beginning of every class. They stretch, run and then have a main activity for the day. At first, I didn’t see how PE class was unique because we were at a Catholic school. Over these months though my eyes have grown to see how God’s grace is working even at the blacktop of St. Hedwig. St. Paul wrote at the end of his life “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” In class, I am preparing my students for the journey that is the Catholic life.
I was a part of the 2016 graduating class of St. Hedwig which is why I may have one of the most unique experiences teaching here. Walking along the blacktop of St. Hedwig’s recess time – I see hundreds of young minds forming similar memories to the ones I now cherish. I’m only 24, so I have plenty of memories of what it was like to be in middle school. It helps me connect and encourage my students better. Some of my coworkers were my teachers, some of my coworkers were once my fellow students! Every waking moment working at St. Hedwig is combined with an anamnesis of all the moments I experienced in my years as a student here.
Living as a part of this Mystical Body of Christ is why I love teaching at this Catholic school. St. Patrick’s Breastplate echoes in my soul as I go throughout my day. Christ in the mouth of every student who speaks to me, Christ in the ear of every student’s ear who hears me, Christ in the heart of all my students. In some mysterious way the face of the Lord is revealed in all my interactions here, most of which I even do not realize.
The joys and sorrows of my coworkers and students become my own joys and sorrows. Slowly over time St. Hedwig school becomes more united in Christ.