One of the roles of the Catholic school teacher is to answer students’ questions about the faith. Sometimes we assume we know exactly what they need to hear. Sometimes that’s because the school has an incredible curriculum, which you might. However, it can be important to simply find out what questions students have about the faith in general, or questions about any subject, for that matter. I think, as adults, it is easy to answer questions that students do not ask and not answer the questions that they do ask.
How do Catholic school leaders and teachers provide the answers that students don’t know they need? One effective practice utilizes an intake document where the student provides several bits of basic information and also can ask questions about the faith. Through the form we learn a student’s frame of reference, life experiences and particular intellectual interests in the faith. As we teach the fullness of the faith as passed down through the ages in accordance with the Scriptures and the Magisterium of the Church, teachers can address students’ faith questions and be relevant without compromising the integrity of the faith.
What practices have you implemented, to help students ask the questions they don’t yet know they should ask? How do you provide answers that students don’t know they need, so they’re more fully versed in their faith?
Each generation of students struggles, faith-wise, and teachers’ and school leaders’ generational experiences provide insight to address those struggles, and provide the answers students don’t yet know they need.
