“We believe that the child, more than any other, has need of love because the child himself is rich in love.” - Sofia Cavalletti
Reflections on Catholic Education
Catholic Education is unique in its understanding of freedom and its desire to make its pupils truly free. Unlike a freedom which seeks the impossible void of external influence, Catholic education understands the inseparable relationship between freedom and Love and the truth that God, who is Love, is three persons, thus modeling our need for “influence.” Catholic educators are called to be a positive influence and to love their students into a life of holiness which leads to a deeper and richer freedom. Students of Catholic Education are empowered by this influence to know God through the True, the Good, and the Beautiful.
Sophia Cavaletti, creator of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, says that, in the atrium, Jesus is the Teacher and the catechist is there to create an environment where the student can encounter the Teacher. Though not all of Catholic education is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, I think the principle ought to stand in all classrooms. Through all my years in Catholic education, both as a student and a teacher, it is clear to me that Christ has consistently been my Teacher. He has been the one planting seeds, tending the soil, and harvesting the fruits of my heart. I am so very grateful and deeply honored to have been invited by Him to be His instrument in this very same work in the lives of others.
Mrs. Annie Hamilton is originally from Western Massachusetts, but after a brief stint in Texas was very happy to return to her beloved Northeast. After studying theology and political science at Providence College in Rhode Island, Mrs. Hamilton completed a master’s degree in theology through the University of Notre Dame's Echo program. Mrs. Hamilton’s work experience began in parish faith formation and was fruitful and fulfilling, but her passion has always been for teaching. She is thrilled to be a part of such an intentionally Catholic community of learners, and to be able to grow and develop alongside the MRA family. Mrs. Hamilton and her husband reside in Newport and are parishioners of St. Patrick’s Parish.