Catholic Education: Honestly, is it for everyone?
By Dr. Mike Ashton, Superintendent
Nebraska received a lot of attention from its recent tourism campaign: “Nebraska: Honestly, it’s not for everyone.”
If you haven’t seen the campaign, it leads with this self-deprecating title line, but then includes photos of people doing really exciting stuff all over the state, cheekily insinuating, “Nebraska is not for you if you’re not into fun, cool things.”
After hearing this message why wouldn’t everyone immediately pack their bags and come to Nebraska? Believe me, I think the Husker state is awesome. My wife and I have had a tremendous experience here in Nebraska. That said, maybe we should consider what we can learn from facing honest responses to the following challenges:
1. What if folks can’t get here because it’s too expensive to travel?
2. What if there’s no one they know who will go with them or greet them when they get here?
3. What if there’s a fear they won’t fit in, that the people who live in Nebraska won’t really like or accept them?
4. Worse – what if they know someone who went to Nebraska, and that person told everyone what a horrible experience it was?
5. And the worst – what if Nebraska isn’t actually fun or cool?
I hope you see by now the obvious parallel between Nebraska’s tourism campaign and the challenge of promoting Catholic schools in our archdiocese. Consider these same questions in the context of Catholic education advocates who believe in our schools, and are messaging to prospective families and/or employees. In honor of Catholic Schools Week which we will celebrate at the end of this month, I suggest that we aggressively address each of the Catholic School context questions in the reverse order I have provided above.
5. Is the school “good?” Is it a place where someone will encounter Jesus Christ and also experience outstanding academics and inclusive, powerful extra-curricular activities? Does it enhance and deepen a family’s faith journey? Is it carrying the faith forward? Is it a clear benefit to the local neighborhood? If so, then that Catholic school IS for everyone.
4. Are people leaving with positive feelings and memories of a great experience? Does the school apply sincere effort into serving every student? Are all students and stakeholders engaged, active and excited about the mission, culture and identity of the school? Then that Catholic school IS for everyone.
3. Is the school community welcoming? Are the people who carry its culture embracing our vision of unity? Are they comfortable asking hard questions of themselves, and reaching out to those who don’t feel welcome? If so, then that Catholic school IS for everyone.
2. Is the school inclusive and representative of the general population? Is it geared to serve ALL souls, stretching resources and deeply exploring the needs of all learners and families? If so, then that Catholic school IS for everyone.
1. Are financial barriers like high tuition being countered by thoughtful tuition assistance models supported by a varied and broad donor base? If so, then that Catholic school IS for everyone.
I hope we can apply this examination the next time we are reaching out to those outside of our parish, ministry or apostolate. We all want thriving parish communities that can say, “Our Church: Honestly, there is something for everyone.”
Dr. Ashton can be reached at mwashton@archomaha.org.