Center for Catholic Education at UD

By Mariam Couri

Over winter break I attended one day of the SEEK conference put on by FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). The conference included Mass, vendors, and multiple Catholic speakers who gave talks throughout the week on various topics. While at SEEK I attended a talk in which the speaker emphasized the importance of accepting help and support from others. She explained that human nature does not allow for complete independence and instead relies on relationships built with others. Human beings were created for community with one another. Furthermore, the greatest support that can be received is from God alone. Handling challenges and consternations in life is meant to be done with assistance. A new year can come with rising challenges and change. New experiences and lessons can often remind us that we are not the sole navigators of our lives. Despite our many illusions of control, God alone determines the outcomes of our every day.  

It is easy to become complacent and comfortable in our lives and forget the truth that we need to be sustained by God. Quite often in these moments, God allows us to be uprooted or unsettled to remind us that no worldly comfort or lifestyle can ever compensate for our heart's desire to rest in him. As a new year brings change and uncertainty, let us lean into the truth that we are not made for this world but rather for heaven. Understanding that our lives are ordered towards a greater purpose allows us to enjoy the journey of life and strive towards our final destination of heaven. 

As we enter a new year the Center for Catholic Education staff have compiled a list of words that will be used as their motivating “word of the year.” The words are intended to be meaningful and inspiring for the unknown trajectory of the year. The words for the new year are humanity, trust, inspiration, resilience, and patience.  

Lee Ann Hiatt (Assistant to the Center for Catholic Education):

Humanity. 

Humanity encompasses so much of the spirit we should all aspire to hold dearly: dignity, kindness, fairness and justice, physical and mental health, community, and hope. The Marianist values drew me to UD and I believe in the worth of all people, regardless, and hold dear each encounter where I can share, if even for a moment, in another's being. Humanity shows us humility and grace and allows us the freedom to love.

Peggy Brun: (Director of Lalanne)

Trust. 

While on the Lalanne retreat in December, the schedule allowed for a lot of private reflection and prayer. I was experiencing several challenges at that time and during prayer and reflection, Jesus kept extending his hand to me and inviting me to trust Him. However, He was not inviting me to trust just Him, but also the Lalanne teachers, the process, my family, myself, and His Father! This simple invitation has continued to guide me as I start the New Year, and so I will continue to let Trust guide me. “I have never had clarity. I have always had Trust. - St. Mother Teresa”

Dr. Rhonda Mercs (Director of ECHO):

Peace. 

“Peace is compassion for others and being able to grow and thrive and be who you are.  We should all strive for peace in our lives. I find the scripture powerful "Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons (children) of God" (Matthew 5:9).”

Amy Theodore (Assistant Director of ECHO):

Resilience. 

It encapsulates the strength to overcome challenges, adapt to changes, and persist in my academic and professional pursuits, reflecting the endurance needed for my dissertation, professional and personal journey, and goals for the year.

Mariam Couri (Student Employee):

Patience. 

I would like to focus on patience and taking the time to truly be present in each moment that I find myself in. Patience is also a necessary skill for educators. As I enter a semester of introductory student teaching and classroom observations I need to have increased patience with both my developing skills as well as patience with my students. Taking the time to reflect on my response to challenging situations calmly and complacently will assist me in growing my relationships with others and building communal support.”

As the new year begins the Center for Catholic Education challenges you to select your word for the year to best curate a positive and successful 2024.