The Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery joined in celebrating Catholic Schools Week January 27 – February 2. This annual observance recognizes the almost 7,000 Catholic Schools across the country where children are taught the faith, where academics are held to a high standard, and where service is taught and expressed.
Sister Lisa Maurer, OSB, was at St. Michael Catholic School in Duluth on Monday, January 26th. She spoke to the students about their call to holiness as she encouraged them to discover their special call from God. Later in the week, Sister Lisa also visited St. Joseph Catholic School in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Once again she shared a presentation entitled “Our Call to Holiness.” She shared her personal vocation story with the students as she pointed out that God had a particular call for everyone. Sister Lisa commented, “It was wonderful to spend time with the students in our local Catholic Schools. I especially appreciated going to Mass with them. As a bonus, I even got to play a little dodge ball at recess.”
On Wednesday of Catholic Schools Week, Postulant Kathleen Del Monte visited St. James Catholic School in Duluth. She shared her presentation “God is Calling . . . Are You Listening?” in which she reminded the students that by virtue of their Baptism they became children of God, part of God’s family, and thus are called to be followers of Jesus and to witness to God’s love. When asked about the ways we can show others that we are followers of Christ, one young child answered, “By being nice to someone even if they are mean to you.” Kathleen later remarked, “I couldn’t have said it better myself!” She also shared her vocation story and spoke of the different vocations within the Catholic Church, encouraged the children to pray to be open to the vocation which is right for them. When asked about her experience she said, “I really enjoyed spending time with the students. Children are so life-giving. They really help you keep a healthy perspective on life.”
The Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, from their earliest beginnings in Duluth, have stressed the value of education. Throughout the years the Sisters have taught in elementary and secondary schools and in colleges and universities. Currently Sisters from St. Scholastica Monastery serve full-time, part-time, or as volunteers in schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Arizona.