The Hidden Power of a Teacher

Teachers of religious education, beware! . . .  Michael Sis and I were ordained together in Austin in 1986. We became close friends and often took our day off (Monday) together each week – swimming at a nearby lake, going canoeing on the San Marcos River, or just chilling out at a retreat center in the hill country. Michael eventually served as pastor of many large parishes, including the Catholic Student Center at Texas A&M University which has produced dozens of religious vocations, both priests and nuns. He takes delight in people, is very well-organized, and is deeply in love with his Catholic faith. This year he was just ordained the new bishop of San Angelo, and I was not at all surprised. Mike will make a wonderful bishop and will faithfully shepherd tens of thousands more people in the faith of Jesus Christ. When interviewed recently, he was asked about important influences in his spiritual journey. He said that it was in fourth or fifth grade religious education class when his teacher, a college student at Texas A&M, “had a tremendous impact on my prayer life and I do not even recall her name. She talked to us about developing a personal friendship with Jesus. I had never thought about this before and it really affected me.” Teachers and catechists, you may be influencing a young person in hidden ways of which you are unaware. You may have a future bishop - or saint! - in your class. - - - Fr. Jim