What are the key Marist values that help instill a distinctive education and that help a student develop both personally and professionally?
To educate the whole person is the hallmark of Catholic Marist education. The intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical growth of students is its distinctive aim. The development of mind and body consistently interlaced with exposure to and inculcation of higher moral values prepares a student to think deeply, to develop his God given talents, to deal justly and kindly with others - no matter the work or state of life he is called to.
What is Marist charism and why is it important even more than ever in today's world?
I think you could define the Marist Brothers charism or spirit as doing things in the spirit of Mary who after all was a loving mother and a person who truly loved God.
So how might that spirit play out in the work of the Marist Brothers and their highly dedicated and talented collaborators? Many thoughts come to mind; here are a few of them:
- holding high expectations of all their students (I know you can do it; I expect you to succeed.)
- modeling a Christian and ethical life style for students to
imitate
- supporting, consoling students who are in pain and crisis
- generating money from alumni and friends to help give scholarship and financial grants to students in need
- understanding that young men are far from perfect and that giving second and third chances to those willing to improve is forgiveness at its best
- spending extra time with students in conversation, in after school tutoring, in coaching and moderating extra-curricular activities; in showing interest and providing affirmation in both their school and after school activities
- helping students to think deeply and to pray and that in imitation of Christ to be of service to others.
These and so many other ways reflect the love of Mary for her Divine Son. It is evident to me that in imitation of Mary, this Marist spirit and charism live vibrantly and concretely at Mount St. Michael.
Why is a Mount St. Michael education important today for the young students from our community?
You just have to look around you to quickly realize that today's young men daily face enormous negative influences in their lives. They are exposed to a society that offers (in often very attractive forms) a "me first" philosophy of life - regardless of who you mistreat and what basic moral principles and values are tossed aside to get to the top. Relentless pressure to conform to those godless values surrounds at every turn today's youth.
There are fewer and fewer good role models for youth to imitate.
In my mind there has never been a more challenging time to help young men grow in their moral beliefs and the internalization of convictions of what truly is important in their present and future lives.
I see a Mount education as being a daily major influence in the lives of students as they are taught to think deeply, to value and grow in self discipline, to cultivate moral values, to experience opportunities to be of service to others - and that there are faculty and administrators who daily model in their personal and professional lives the values they want their students to acquire.
Why Is Your Directory service important?
As a member of the Board of Directors (the Directory), I see myself as one who affirms and supports the philosophy of the school as well as the teachers and administrators who daily live out their calling and vocation of Catholic school educators. Their work is not easy, so the support of the Directory members via moral support, financial contributions and sound professional advice and evaluation goes a long way in helping them stay the course.
"To The Stars Through Difficulties" (Ad Astra Per Aspera) is the motto of Mount St. Michael. Great institutions always experience challenges, but the way they tackle these challenges in positive ways makes them stronger. The support of the Directory helps difficulties to be addressed more directly and more successfully.
Where do you see the Mount in 50 years?
The vibrant Catholic institution of Mount St. Michael which I saw and fully experienced when I first started teaching there in 1952 is still very operative and apparent today. I see no reason why the Mount will be any different fifty years from now.
There may be different methods of delivering curriculum content, for example, the expanded use of technology, but the loving dedication and high regard of teachers for their students will remain. So will the instilling of Catholic moral values. The belief that Catholic education is of the whole person (spiritual and intellectual) will remain paramount.
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