To learn how to be Marist Leaders
Seventy students from 10 Marist schools from the U.S., Canada and Mexico gathered in Esopus to learn how to be Marist Leaders. St. Marcellin Champagnat described the mission of Marist Evangelization as, “to make Jesus known and loved.” His words were clear and direct. “But how do we do this,” the early brothers asked? His reply was just as clear and direct, “by making of our students good Christians and good citizens.” It was a balanced and practical approach.
Every school that “is worth its salt” prepares its students to live and function in society as good citizens. Like other schools, our students learn to read, write, and think critically. We teach all the basic subjects: math, sciences, history, physical education, computer science, etc.
As a Catholic school, we offer courses in religious studies: Scripture, Church History, Church Doctrine, and Catholic Social Teaching. In addition we offer retreats, prayer services, and service opportunities. It appears that all the pieces are in place when it comes to preparing our students to be “good Christians.”
As a “Marist” Catholic school, we go further. We know “being a good citizen and good Christian” is more than being able to read, write and use a computer. It is more than taking religion courses and being exposed to religious programing. It has to be internalized… it has to be integrated… it has to be acted upon… As it says in the Letter of St. James, “faith without action is dead.”
Br. Zephiriny and the first brothers who established a Marist presence in the USA knew that a Marist education was more than reading, writing and memorizing information for a test. They knew that religion classes and religious exercises like retreats and service to the poor was more than just for “show.” A Marist school prepares its students for life.
Always mindful of St. Marcellin’s mission and educational approach and with Br. Zephiriny and our early pioneers as our inspiration, the theme for this year’s Marist Leadership Conference is: Lead For Life.