Our week of training has come to a close, and my brain could not be more thankful. It's on information overload. My mind is abuzz with all the things I'll need to keep track of, all the activities and meetings I'll need to attend/be involved in, and the fact that I've got a life to lead outside all of it.
I'm overwhelmed, yes. However, on the flip side, I like what I saw this week. I felt the administration and staff are in this for the kids. They really want to see them learn. And it seems that being in the private sector allows them to do that with a little bit more efficiency. Not that it's perfect by any means, but there's a genuine desire to do good--not just scrape by. I didn't see that as much in the public school I was in last year.
Still, I know there's going to be a lot of adjustment, and a lot I won't like. But, I think the people around will be willing to help and advise.
I actually think the thing I am most worried about is simply understanding the Catholic side of things. Should I cross myself even though we don't do that in my religion? Do I need to memorize the prayers? What exactly IS mass and what does it entail? And I think I worry most about this because while there are a handful of new teachers, they're all catholic and familiar with the structure of the religious side of things. I think it's assumed, in a way, that we know what we're doing when it comes to that. And, one of my flaws that I always need to work on is asking for help.
It's definitely going to be a difficult and stressful year, but I also feel like it will be positive and that I will learn a lot.
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2 comments:
Hello! I just happened on your blog by accident and am happily adding it to my blogs-to-read list.
I'm really interested in the fact that you aren't Catholic, yet will teach at a parochial school. :) Good for you, brave soul, to step out of your own comfort level to teach there.
I'm Catholic, but did not attend parochial school.
Mass is the Catholic Church service and it's always called Mass. For Catholics, it's required, especially on High Holy Days. Mass includes readings from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and what we call the Eucharist - Communion, which is the heart of the Service.
Has the school talked to you about what is expected from you in this regard? That may be really helpful for you.
As for understanding the Catholic "side of things", I'm not sure what you mean by this. I do have a suggestion for you.
Call up the local parish (church) and ask to talk to someone there. There are priests all over the place, and they will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Believe it or not, Catholics have a really tolerant attitude about other faiths, etc.
I think it would be good for you, and helpful for your teaching situation if you learned about Catholicism. After all, you are teaching at a Catholic school. I don't mean to sound preachy or anything at all. Maybe think of it as learning about a new philosophy? As with all faiths, there is much good there.
As for crossing yourself, I don't really know what to say to you except that when I personally go a different church, temple, what have you, I go ahead and do what others do, out of respect.
Sorry for rambling on so ... it's 3am here and I'm wanting to be helpful.
Best of luck to you!!!! :)
American Woman
Thank you so much for your comments. I have definitely viewed this as a learning experience. I'll definitely take some of your advice!
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