Reflective Prayer

Chapter 1—We Expect Ourselves to Be Prepared

The Brothers should never enter the classroom without having carefully attended to the immediate preparation of the class-work. They should not forget that they owe the whole time of school to their pupils, and that they must not occupy any part of it in study or in doing anything for themselves. (from the 1928 Rule of Life, Brothers of the Sacred Heart, p. 215)

Lord, I wasn’t ready for them today.

I’m not sure why it happened. I tried to fake my way through it.

I’m usually pretty good at this, not that I do it often.

But I did today, and it didn’t work.

Did I cheat them? Does it really matter that just once they didn’t get the attention

and preparation that they deserve?

After all, Lord, they don’t always give me their best.

It was only one day. You know I’m usually ready.

Why do I feel so guilty? Why did I let it happen?

There are plenty of things I can blame it on.

I didn’t really feel well last night, and I thought I’d have time this morning to

prepare.

After all, I didn’t know that a parent was going to show up unannounced before

school.

See, Lord, it really wasn’t my fault.

I sound like my students. I’m whining.

I’m not owning my professionalism, my responsibility.

I’m making excuses.

Help me, Lord, to let go of today.

Help me to remember my humanity, my imperfections.

Help me to forgive myself as you forgive me.

I know that You are entrusting these students to my care.

I accept that they deserve my best, my time, my energy, my readiness.

I take this trust seriously.

I wasn’t ready for them today, Lord.

I will be ready tomorrow.

Chapter 2—We Expect Ourselves to Lead Classroom Learning

You must be shining lamps unto all people by the practice of every virtue: a lively and practical faith, an unbounded and unfailing confidence, . . . the deepest humility. Continue, then, your work with courage and perseverance, rely always on the protection of the Lord. . . Your banner is the adorable Heart of Jesus; you must never forsake it . . . and I’m sure that you will succeed. Courage and Confidence—that’s my motto. (André Coindre, Founder of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart)

I received a letter today, Lord.

It was from a student I had years ago, a student who is now a teacher.

I remember her. She was somewhat quiet.

I often felt like she was trying to hide in the back of the room.

I always knew she was listening because of how alive her eyes seemed to be,

but I remember having to work hard to get her involved.

She always seemed satisfied to sit back and absorb what was going on.

In my head, I used to think of her as a sponge, just soaking everything up.

I talked with her about my concern. I worked hard to draw her out.

I was never quite sure if I was pushing too hard.

But many years have since passed,

and I really hadn’t thought about her again until today.

I received a letter today, Lord.

She thanked me for things I barely remember . . .

For the constant eye contact,

For not letting her hide,

For making sure every minute mattered,

For making the room feel warm and inviting,

For setting an example of treating each other with respect,

For making it easy to ask questions when she didn’t understand,

For helping her feel like she mattered.

She is a teacher now.

She says her goal is to be the kind of teacher I was.

Lord, I pray that that is the kind of teacher I still am.

Chapter 3—We Expect Ourselves to Motivate Students to Learn

Youths would come to disturb their instructions under cover of darkness in the badly lighted churches. This situation, far from distracting the missionaries, only served to galvanize them. Rare was the case in which the missionaries failed to win over the people after a few days or a week. (André Coindre, 1820)

Lord, that class was great today!

Every time I looked around, they were all alert and attentive.

Their hands shot up; their eyes were bright and alive.

I felt like we were all on the same wavelength.

At one point the discussion became so intense that it evolved without me.

I watched my kids interact, listen, respond.

There was such energy present. It startled me.

I wanted to interrupt, quiet them down, become their focus.

Then I realized that the learning had become their focus

and that was why there was such energy present.

I held my tongue; I listened.

Lord, it’s funny, but I used to think that my leading and motivating

Students meant that I was the Master Teacher who stood

In the front of the room and became the source of all that was important.

Today you reminded me, Lord, that if I am truly a motivator

Then the students will feed from my energy and eventually

Become motivators for each other.

Help me to remember, Lord, that your Spirit is always present in my classroom

And that my job is to set it free.

Chapter 4—We Expect Ourselves to Work Collaboratively

Well then, our God needs soldiers who can endure the weariness of the day to day even more than he needs contemplatives who only honor him with their lips! Sword in hand, zeal for his glory, a desire to save, to teach, to edify one’s neighbor, that is what our God loves above all. (André Coindre)

Lord, Sometimes you ask too much of me.

I just want to teach.

I feel like I’m drowning in a sea of paperwork.

My schedule is filled with meetings that aren’t as meaningful

To me as they are meant to be.

I’m tired of the endless committees, goal-setting,

And new buzzwords which are supposed to inspire me.

They tire me, Lord.

It would be so much easier if I could just close the door and do my thing.

I want to teach…to touch the future…to open young minds.

I could do this, Lord, if only they would leave me alone.

But I am not alone; I am a part of something greater.

Remind me, Lord, that you’re not calling me to work by myself.

Refresh me so I can remember that this school as a whole is much greater than the

sum of its individual parts.

I am part of your body; I bring you more fully when whole.

I am responsible to not just learn from my colleagues, but to give to them as well.

Together there is the strength of your mission,

Of your vision.

Strengthen me, Lord.

I have a meeting I need to attend.

Chapter 5—We Expect Ourselves to Hold Students Accountable

(The Brothers) shall endeavor to keep their souls in peace, and free from the influence of passion, being careful not to correct the pupils when angry, or in a moment of excitement. They shall never punish from humor, caprice, revenge or from any other personal motive. The benefit of the child who has failed in his duty, or the good of the others who, if no punishment were inflicted, might be tempted to commit the same fault, are the only motives which should influence a Brother in correcting his pupils. (from the 1928 Rule of Life, Brothers of the Sacred Heart p. 220)

Come with me today, Lord.

Walk with me in the halls and help me make eye contact and smile.

Help me remain vigilant as I proctor the test.

Sit by my side as I return phone calls and talk with upset parents.

Come with me today, Lord.

Stand in front of my classroom with me as I look at their faces.

Run with me as I try to get from my classroom to my supervision duty.

Lean on my doorway as I welcome them into my room.

Come with me today, Lord.

Whisper in my ear as I talk with the boy I caught cheating.

Help me stand tall as I supervise the locker room.

Keep your arm around my shoulder as I meet with the girl whose mom just died.

Come with me today, Lord.

I didn’t sleep well last night and might be a little tired; I need your strength.

I’m anxious about being evaluated next week; I need your peace.

I don’t have their tests corrected yet; I need your patience.

Come with me today, Lord.

I need your presence.

I need you.

Chapter 6—We Expect Ourselves to Provide Personal Attention to Students

In our tradition, we view being with the young as privileged opportunities to show expressions of concern, encouragement, and love. We see availability as a witness to the compassionate love of Christ. It is an active presence, which requires accessibility and approachability. Availability provides the opportunity for accompaniment, support, and vigilance. (“The Educational Charism of the United States Provinces of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart”)

Lord, I really have a hard time with that kid.

It’s as if he knows exactly which buttons to push.

Sometimes, I dread going into that class, just because I know he’ll be there.

He’s pretty good at it, Lord.

He knows how to stop right before crossing the line.

I find myself at the point where I’m hoping he’ll go one step further

So that I can really come down on him.

I secretly hope he’ll misbehave early so I can throw him out of class.

My mood actually improves whenever he is absent.

I know I am supposed to love him, Lord.

And respect him.

And reach out to him.

And see him as one of your children.

It’s hard, Lord.

Help me to see him with your eyes,

Hear him with your ears,

Speak to him with your words.

Remind me, Lord, that you are present in him, too.

Chapter 7—We Expect Ourselves to Advocate Gospel Values Unequivocally

“Alas! Without doubt, there will always be some uncertainty to keep you on the alert, to keep you from complacency or indifference, but this concern must not discourage you or leave you faint-hearted. When we do all that we can, we do all that we must.” (André Coindre)

Lord, I open my heart to you today.

I want to see you in everyone I meet.

I want to hear your voice in my conversations.

I want to feel your hand on my shoulder.

I need to get closer to you, Lord.

I keep finding reasons why I don’t have time to pray.

I promise myself I’ll read scripture, but then never get to it.

I plan on using your life as an example in my teaching, and then forget.

I know how important it is, Lord, to spend time with you…

To reflect on your words…

To revisit your time with the apostles…

To share my hopes and dreams, fears and failings.

I know all these things, Lord.

I just need to start doing them.

Stay with me, Lord, as I try again to live in you.

Be patient with me.

I know that you are waiting for me to return to you more fully.

Lord, I open my heart to you today.

Chapter 8—We Expect Ourselves to Be Responsible People

“Each and every student is known, valued, treasured, and taught in partnership with the family. Hospitality, availability, personal interest, and concern for others are hallmarks of this charism. We emphasize the formation of the whole person, traditional values, high expectations, self-discipline, fairness, professional competence, and collaboration. The respect, kindness, and concern which flow from the charism are signs within the school of the compassion of Christ.” (The Educational Charism of the United States Provinces of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart )

Help me to grow, Lord.
Remind me that just because I’ve gotten a little older,
And, hopefully, a lot wiser,
That there is still much for me to learn.

Sometimes when the principal puts those handouts in my mailbox

I actually cringe when I see them.
Instead of seeing them as a challenge for my growth,
I see them as a reprimand for not doing enough.
Will it ever be enough, Lord?
After all, I know what I’m doing.
I read professional journals.
I talk with my colleagues.
I attend conferences.
I feel like they’re just trying to reinvent the wheel.
I like my wheel the way it is, Lord.
I need to remember that change is a good thing.
It is a sign of your Spirit bringing life.
It is an opportunity for me to share and grow.
Change means you are present.
Reawaken my sense of urgency,
My need to grow and to become.
Help me to grow, Lord.

Chapter 9—We Expect Ourselves to Witness Honesty

“It is true that things are not perfect. But the Lord alone is perfect, and even his works, however glorious, lie always on the edge of the abyss. God took six days to create the world and disentangle the chaos . . . to teach us that it takes time to achieve anything worthwhile, and that things never go as well in their infancy as when they attain full maturity. How many spring blossoms produce no fruit at all! The sower must content himself with the harvest which God sends him, even if it is not as good as the one he had hoped for, and even if it means that he has to content himself with the barest essentials.” (André Coindre)

Thank you, Lord, for today.

Thank you for the opportunities you gave me.

For the kids in my classes that I was able to reach.

For the kids in my classes with whom I’m still trying to connect.

Thank you for the courage to be myself.

I had been nervous about the outburst I had yesterday.

When I talked about it with my 3 rd period class,

I felt like it was ok, they understood;

They let me be human, too.

It’s reassuring to know that I don’t have to be perfect.

Thank you for the freedom I feel to be myself with them.

I used to feel like I had to pretend; that I was on a stage.

I felt like I was a great pretender

So I had to put on this act to impress my colleagues

And to prove to my students that I was in charge.

I know now that you just want me to be myself.

You want me to allow them to be themselves, too.

Thank you for the gift of teaching, Lord.

I know it is a gift.

I look to you as my Master Teacher.

Chapter 10—We Expect Ourselves to Be Caring and Compassionate

“Compassion is the quality of presence which causes the person who is in trouble to feel less alone and to take courage.” (Jean Vanier)

“You are suffering: well then! All the better! You are walking in the footsteps of the apostles who had to undergo much adversity, of the martyrs who shed their blood, and of Jesus Christ who entered into his glory amid denials, humiliations, and pain.” (André Coindre)

I feel really bad for that kid, Lord.

I used to think she was just lazy.

I was on her case because she didn’t seem to care.

I thought I was helping her by staying on her all the time.

I told her she had a poor attitude towards authority

And she needed to be more respectful.

I didn’t know, Lord.

No one told me.

I didn’t think to ask.

Sometimes, there are just so many of them

It’s impossible to check on them all.

Now I find out that her father hits her and her mom’s an alcoholic.

She actually takes care of her two younger sisters.

She’s absent a lot because she’s trying to hide the bruises.

She has a poor attitude because she’s both afraid and angry.

She didn’t need for me to be on her case, Lord,

She does need me to be on her side.

Help me, Lord, to see past what they do.

Help me to remember that their actions don’t always reflect their hearts,

But instead reflect their hurts.

I’m going to be there for her, Lord.

I’m going to show her that there are adults who care.

I’m going to make sure she knows that someone cares.

I care, Lord.

Chapter 11—We Expect Ourselves to Hold Strong Convictions Founded in the Gospel

“ . . . our primary mission is the evangelization of young people. Fundamental to our educational charism is the response of André Coindre to poor, neglected, and dechristianized youth. . . . Each and every student is known, valued, treasured, and taught in partnership with the family. Hospitality, availability, personal interest, and concern for others are hallmarks of this charism. We emphasize the formation of the whole person, traditional values, high expectations, self-discipline, fairness, professional competence, and collaboration. The respect, kindness, and concern which flow from the charism are signs within the school of the compassion of Christ.” (The Educational Charism of the United States Provinces of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart)

I believe, Lord.

I believe that each of my students is your child.

I believe that they are a reflection of your love.

I believe that each child possesses special gifts and talents,

that you are entrusting me to help them discover these gifts

and nurture those talents.

I believe that each child is trying to find you,

And that I can be a model of how to look,

How to live, how to pray.

I believe that my job is actually a mission, a ministry;

That you have chosen me in this time and in this place

To be there for these kids.

I believe that there is nothing haphazard about my day,

About my experiences with my students or with their parents.

It is all part of your plan.

I believe that you have chosen me, Lord.

I believe.

Chapter 12—We Expect Ourselves to Be Men and Women of Faith

“Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words.” (St Francis of Assisi )

“The Heart of Jesus is a dwelling place, not so much to escape the troubles and the dangers of the world, but as a place of transformation where the faithful person allows himself or herself to be identified with their model. In the dwelling place of the Heart of Jesus, the Brothers and all those who live this same spirituality become in turn the Heart of Jesus. They become wounded hearts and open hearts for all people, and in particular for the young for whom they are responsible.” (Rene Sanctorum—“New Evangelization and Founding Charism of Father André Coindre”)

Slow me down, Lord.

I’ve been running for too long.

I’m beginning to wonder,

Am I running from or running to?

I need to spend some time with you, Lord.

I need to recommit myself to all I believe.

I need the renewal that your Spirit brings.

Hold me, Lord.

Rekindle my compassion with the warmth of your Sacred Heart.

Re-inspire my imagination with your gift of wonder.

Replenish my energy with the power of your love.

Restore my soul with the essence of your being.

Take me, Lord, for I am yours.

	Reflective Prayer \| Schools \| The Founder \| Superior General \| Provincials \| Document Text

Audio		Reflective Prayer Chapter 1—We Expect Ourselves to Be Prepared The Brothers should never enter the classroom without having carefully attended to the immediate preparation of the class-work. They should not forget that they owe the whole time of school to their pupils, and that they must not occupy any part of it in study or in doing anything for themselves. (from the 1928 *Rule of Life, Brothers of the Sacred Heart, p. 215) Lord, I wasn’t ready for them today.* I’m not sure why it happened. I tried to fake my way through it. I’m usually pretty good at this, not that I do it often. But I did today, and it didn’t work. Did I cheat them? Does it really matter that just once they didn’t get the attention and preparation that they deserve? After all, Lord, they don’t always give me their best. It was only one day. You know I’m usually ready. Why do I feel so guilty? Why did I let it happen? There are plenty of things I can blame it on. I didn’t really feel well last night, and I thought I’d have time this morning to prepare. After all, I didn’t know that a parent was going to show up unannounced before school. See, Lord, it really wasn’t my fault. I sound like my students. I’m whining. I’m not owning my professionalism, my responsibility. I’m making excuses. Help me, Lord, to let go of today. Help me to remember my humanity, my imperfections. Help me to forgive myself as you forgive me. I know that You are entrusting these students to my care. I accept that they deserve my best, my time, my energy, my readiness. I take this trust seriously. I wasn’t ready for them today, Lord. I will be ready tomorrow. Chapter 2—We Expect Ourselves to Lead Classroom Learning You must be shining lamps unto all people by the practice of every virtue: a lively and practical faith, an unbounded and unfailing confidence, . . . the deepest humility. Continue, then, your work with courage and perseverance, rely always on the protection of the Lord. . . Your banner is the adorable Heart of Jesus; you must never forsake it . . . and I’m sure that you will succeed. Courage and Confidence—that’s my motto. (André Coindre, Founder of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart) I received a letter today, Lord. It was from a student I had years ago, a student who is now a teacher. I remember her. She was somewhat quiet. I often felt like she was trying to hide in the back of the room. I always knew she was listening because of how alive her eyes seemed to be, but I remember having to work hard to get her involved. She always seemed satisfied to sit back and absorb what was going on. In my head, I used to think of her as a sponge, just soaking everything up. I talked with her about my concern. I worked hard to draw her out. I was never quite sure if I was pushing too hard. But many years have since passed, and I really hadn’t thought about her again until today. I received a letter today, Lord. She thanked me for things I barely remember . . . For the constant eye contact, For not letting her hide, For making sure every minute mattered, For making the room feel warm and inviting, For setting an example of treating each other with respect, For making it easy to ask questions when she didn’t understand, For helping her feel like she mattered. She is a teacher now. She says her goal is to be the kind of teacher I was. Lord, I pray that that is the kind of teacher I still am. Chapter 3—We Expect Ourselves to Motivate Students to Learn Youths would come to disturb their instructions under cover of darkness in the badly lighted churches. This situation, far from distracting the missionaries, only served to galvanize them. Rare was the case in which the missionaries failed to win over the people after a few days or a week. (André Coindre, 1820) Lord, that class was great today! Every time I looked around, they were all alert and attentive. Their hands shot up; their eyes were bright and alive. I felt like we were all on the same wavelength. At one point the discussion became so intense that it evolved without me. I watched my kids interact, listen, respond. There was such energy present. It startled me. I wanted to interrupt, quiet them down, become their focus. Then I realized that the learning had become their focus and that was why there was such energy present. I held my tongue; I listened. Lord, it’s funny, but I used to think that my leading and motivating Students meant that I was the Master Teacher who stood In the front of the room and became the source of all that was important. Today you reminded me, Lord, that if I am truly a motivator Then the students will feed from my energy and eventually Become motivators for each other. Help me to remember, Lord, that your Spirit is always present in my classroom And that my job is to set it free. Chapter 4—We Expect Ourselves to Work Collaboratively Well then, our God needs soldiers who can endure the weariness of the day to day even more than he needs contemplatives who only honor him with their lips! Sword in hand, zeal for his glory, a desire to save, to teach, to edify one’s neighbor, that is what our God loves above all. (André Coindre) Lord, Sometimes you ask too much of me. I just want to teach. I feel like I’m drowning in a sea of paperwork. My schedule is filled with meetings that aren’t as meaningful To me as they are meant to be. I’m tired of the endless committees, goal-setting, And new buzzwords which are supposed to inspire me. They tire me, Lord. It would be so much easier if I could just close the door and do my thing. I want to teach…to touch the future…to open young minds. I could do this, Lord, if only they would leave me alone. But I am not alone; I am a part of something greater. Remind me, Lord, that you’re not calling me to work by myself. Refresh me so I can remember that this school as a whole is much greater than the sum of its individual parts. I am part of your body; I bring you more fully when whole. I am responsible to not just learn from my colleagues, but to give to them as well. Together there is the strength of your mission, Of your vision. Strengthen me, Lord. I have a meeting I need to attend. Chapter 5—We Expect Ourselves to Hold Students Accountable (The Brothers) shall endeavor to keep their souls in peace, and free from the influence of passion, being careful not to correct the pupils when angry, or in a moment of excitement. They shall never punish from humor, caprice, revenge or from any other personal motive. The benefit of the child who has failed in his duty, or the good of the others who, if no punishment were inflicted, might be tempted to commit the same fault, are the only motives which should influence a Brother in correcting his pupils. (from the 1928 *Rule of Life, Brothers of the Sacred Heart p. 220) Come with me today, Lord. Walk with me in the halls and help me make eye contact and smile. Help me remain vigilant as I proctor the test. Sit by my side as I return phone calls and talk with upset parents. Come with me today, Lord. Stand in front of my classroom with me as I look at their faces. Run with me as I try to get from my classroom to my supervision duty. Lean on my doorway as I welcome them into my room. Come with me today, Lord. Whisper in my ear as I talk with the boy I caught cheating. Help me stand tall as I supervise the locker room. Keep your arm around my shoulder as I meet with the girl whose mom just died. Come with me today, Lord. I didn’t sleep well last night and might be a little tired; I need your strength. I’m anxious about being evaluated next week; I need your peace. I don’t have their tests corrected yet; I need your patience. Come with me today, Lord. I need your presence. I need you. Chapter 6—We Expect Ourselves to Provide Personal Attention to Students* In our tradition, we view being with the young as privileged opportunities to show expressions of concern, encouragement, and love. We see availability as a witness to the compassionate love of Christ. It is an active presence, which requires accessibility and approachability. Availability provides the opportunity for accompaniment, support, and vigilance. (“The Educational Charism of the United States Provinces of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart”) Lord, I really have a hard time with that kid. It’s as if he knows exactly which buttons to push. Sometimes, I dread going into that class, just because I know he’ll be there. He’s pretty good at it, Lord. He knows how to stop right before crossing the line. I find myself at the point where I’m hoping he’ll go one step further So that I can really come down on him. I secretly hope he’ll misbehave early so I can throw him out of class. My mood actually improves whenever he is absent. I know I am supposed to love him, Lord. And respect him. And reach out to him. And see him as one of your children. It’s hard, Lord. Help me to see him with your eyes, Hear him with your ears, Speak to him with your words. Remind me, Lord, that you are present in him, too. Chapter 7—We Expect Ourselves to Advocate Gospel Values Unequivocally “Alas! Without doubt, there will always be some uncertainty to keep you on the alert, to keep you from complacency or indifference, but this concern must not discourage you or leave you faint-hearted. When we do all that we can, we do all that we must.” (André Coindre) Lord, I open my heart to you today. I want to see you in everyone I meet. I want to hear your voice in my conversations. I want to feel your hand on my shoulder. I need to get closer to you, Lord. I keep finding reasons why I don’t have time to pray. I promise myself I’ll read scripture, but then never get to it. I plan on using your life as an example in my teaching, and then forget. I know how important it is, Lord, to spend time with you… To reflect on your words… To revisit your time with the apostles… To share my hopes and dreams, fears and failings. I know all these things, Lord. I just need to start doing them. Stay with me, Lord, as I try again to live in you. Be patient with me. I know that you are waiting for me to return to you more fully. Lord, I open my heart to you today. Chapter 8—We Expect Ourselves to Be Responsible People “Each and every student is known, valued, treasured, and taught in partnership with the family. Hospitality, availability, personal interest, and concern for others are hallmarks of this charism. We emphasize the formation of the whole person, traditional values, high expectations, self-discipline, fairness, professional competence, and collaboration. The respect, kindness, and concern which flow from the charism are signs within the school of the compassion of Christ.” (The Educational Charism of the United States Provinces of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart ) Help me to grow, Lord. Remind me that just because I’ve gotten a little older, And, hopefully, a lot wiser, That there is still much for me to learn. Sometimes when the principal puts those handouts in my mailbox I actually cringe when I see them. Instead of seeing them as a challenge for my growth, I see them as a reprimand for not doing enough. Will it ever be enough, Lord? After all, I know what I’m doing. I read professional journals. I talk with my colleagues. I attend conferences. I feel like they’re just trying to reinvent the wheel. I like my wheel the way it is, Lord. I need to remember that change is a good thing. It is a sign of your Spirit bringing life. It is an opportunity for me to share and grow. Change means you are present. Reawaken my sense of urgency, My need to grow and to become. Help me to grow, Lord. Chapter 9—We Expect Ourselves to Witness Honesty “It is true that things are not perfect. But the Lord alone is perfect, and even his works, however glorious, lie always on the edge of the abyss. God took six days to create the world and disentangle the chaos . . . to teach us that it takes time to achieve anything worthwhile, and that things never go as well in their infancy as when they attain full maturity. How many spring blossoms produce no fruit at all! The sower must content himself with the harvest which God sends him, even if it is not as good as the one he had hoped for, and even if it means that he has to content himself with the barest essentials.” (André Coindre) Thank you, Lord, for today. Thank you for the opportunities you gave me. For the kids in my classes that I was able to reach. For the kids in my classes with whom I’m still trying to connect. Thank you for the courage to be myself. I had been nervous about the outburst I had yesterday. When I talked about it with my 3 rd period class, I felt like it was ok, they understood; They let me be human, too. It’s reassuring to know that I don’t have to be perfect. Thank you for the freedom I feel to be myself with them. I used to feel like I had to pretend; that I was on a stage. I felt like I was a great pretender So I had to put on this act to impress my colleagues And to prove to my students that I was in charge. I know now that you just want me to be myself. You want me to allow them to be themselves, too. Thank you for the gift of teaching, Lord. I know it is a gift. I look to you as my Master Teacher. Chapter 10—We Expect Ourselves to Be Caring and Compassionate “Compassion is the quality of presence which causes the person who is in trouble to feel less alone and to take courage.” (Jean Vanier) “You are suffering: well then! All the better! You are walking in the footsteps of the apostles who had to undergo much adversity, of the martyrs who shed their blood, and of Jesus Christ who entered into his glory amid denials, humiliations, and pain.” (André Coindre) I feel really bad for that kid, Lord. I used to think she was just lazy. I was on her case because she didn’t seem to care. I thought I was helping her by staying on her all the time. I told her she had a poor attitude towards authority And she needed to be more respectful. I didn’t know, Lord. No one told me. I didn’t think to ask. Sometimes, there are just so many of them It’s impossible to check on them all. Now I find out that her father hits her and her mom’s an alcoholic. She actually takes care of her two younger sisters. She’s absent a lot because she’s trying to hide the bruises. She has a poor attitude because she’s both afraid and angry. She didn’t need for me to be on her case, Lord, She does need me to be on her side. Help me, Lord, to see past what they do. Help me to remember that their actions don’t always reflect their hearts, But instead reflect their hurts. I’m going to be there for her, Lord. I’m going to show her that there are adults who care. I’m going to make sure she knows that someone cares. I care, Lord. Chapter 11—We Expect Ourselves to Hold Strong Convictions Founded in the Gospel “ . . . our primary mission is the evangelization of young people. Fundamental to our educational charism is the response of André Coindre to poor, neglected, and dechristianized youth. . . . Each and every student is known, valued, treasured, and taught in partnership with the family. Hospitality, availability, personal interest, and concern for others are hallmarks of this charism. We emphasize the formation of the whole person, traditional values, high expectations, self-discipline, fairness, professional competence, and collaboration. The respect, kindness, and concern which flow from the charism are signs within the school of the compassion of Christ.” (*The Educational Charism of the United States Provinces of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart) I believe, Lord.* I believe that each of my students is your child. I believe that they are a reflection of your love. I believe that each child possesses special gifts and talents, that you are entrusting me to help them discover these gifts and nurture those talents. I believe that each child is trying to find you, And that I can be a model of how to look, How to live, how to pray. I believe that my job is actually a mission, a ministry; That you have chosen me in this time and in this place To be there for these kids. I believe that there is nothing haphazard about my day, About my experiences with my students or with their parents. It is all part of your plan. I believe that you have chosen me, Lord. I believe. Chapter 12—We Expect Ourselves to Be Men and Women of Faith “Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words.” (St Francis of Assisi ) “The Heart of Jesus is a dwelling place, not so much to escape the troubles and the dangers of the world, but as a place of transformation where the faithful person allows himself or herself to be identified with their model. In the dwelling place of the Heart of Jesus, the Brothers and all those who live this same spirituality become in turn the Heart of Jesus. They become wounded hearts and open hearts for all people, and in particular for the young for whom they are responsible.” (Rene Sanctorum—“New Evangelization and Founding Charism of Father André Coindre”) Slow me down, Lord. I’ve been running for too long. I’m beginning to wonder, Am I running from or running to? I need to spend some time with you, Lord. I need to recommit myself to all I believe. I need the renewal that your Spirit brings. Hold me, Lord. Rekindle my compassion with the warmth of your Sacred Heart. Re-inspire my imagination with your gift of wonder. Replenish my energy with the power of your love. Restore my soul with the essence of your being. Take me, Lord, for I am yours.
Preparation
Learning
Motivation
Collaboration
Accountability
Personal Attention
Gospel Values
Responsibility
Honesty
Compassion
Convictions
Faith