For Catholic Schools Week, principals, teachers and parents wrote reflections about what it means to serve students and families during this time of pandemic.  This essay is by  Shelly Ward, a first grade teacher at Father Andrew White, S.J. School in Leonardtown, Maryland.

I am beyond blessed. By the grace of God (and with coffee in hand), I am able to stand at the door to my classroom each morning and greet my students as they enter our classroom. 

Certainly, the classroom looks different this year; the desks are no longer arranged in collaborative clusters, cleaning supplies are in high demand, and high fives are no longer a practice. 

Through all these little frustrations I am reminded that Jesus told His followers to spread His message through the world. Despite trial and persecution, from mountains high to valleys low, they persisted. Their willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to operate through them laid the foundation for us to speak freely of God’s kingdom today. 

And so, like the Apostles 2,000 years ago, here we are. We are communicating despite the six-foot distance, we are learning how to read a smile by the crinkle in our eyes instead of the curve of our mouths, and air high fives are equally as effective – if not more sanitary – than the regular ones! The Holy Spirit is moving in our school, and I am reminded every day that we are a people filled with hope. 

I am recharged in my journey with the Lord as we take time each morning and afternoon to still our hearts and pray as a school family. As Catholic school teachers we have a multi-layered responsibility to teach about academics and the kingdom of God. We have the privilege to attend Mass weekly and have a team of dedicated priests who persist in offering the sacraments. 

With our spirits nourished by the Word of God and the support of the community, we are able to grow and develop as professionals. As a result of the transition to virtual learning last year, parents have increased their involvement and have a greater investment in their child’s education. With such rapid change, teachers are flocking to the virtual doors of professional development. Thus, as craft and our passion has improved so has the service we offer to the children and their parents. 

I am proud to be a frontline worker – both for my community and for the kingdom of God. Oh, how sweet those words will be when we as Catholic school teachers stand before the throne of our Beloved and hear Him say; “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Master.” (Matthew 25:23)

Shelly Ward, a first grade teacher at Father Andrew White, S.J. School in Leonardtown, gives students a tour of St. Aloysius Church, showing them the baptismal font and the Easter candle. (Photo courtesy of Father Andrew White School)