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I never really know how much the liberal yet powerfully catholic lessons I learned at Mooney meant until I had left the church and moved to Chicago. It was not the dogma which has kept me on a firm path with God but the rich ethical lessons that were often taught to us along with class material. I work daily with people of all faiths, languages and traditions many of my students come from families rich in love and poor in material goods. It is how to bring the best to all, is a lesson that was taught daily by by example the Brothers. When I ‘m asked what order taught me (believe it or not a common question in very Catholic Chicago) I tell them with pride Brothers of the Holy Cross.
I think it was Br. Lawrence who taught us no action, no faith, they both go together.”
We’re starting to pick up some speed here. Welcome to those who just found out about this blog! Please tell your friends and family that it exists and that I’m looking for guest writers, photo’s, stories and of course comments from anyone who attended or graduated from the Rochester NY or Greece NY Cardinal Mooney High School.
Also, I’ve started a Facebook group of Cardinal Mooney Alumni which can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/people/Laura_Benjamin/1259130890. Please join as a friend. It’ll be great to have you!
What are the Benefits of a Catholic School Education?
Does anyone feel the same way I do – that having a Catholic school education was a real gift? I could go into what’s happened to the quality of our public education system these days by comparison, but then I’d have to get a bit political and that’s not a pretty sight! (grin)
Certainly, at the ripe old age of 51 I’ve forgotten about many of the typical teenaged frustrations and insecurities, so perhaps my perspective is colored now. But I believe having had a Catholic school education gave me a tremendous boost in life. Here’s why…
The Value of a Catholic School Education
It helped me recognize the sacrifice my parents made to put my brothers and sisters and I through Mooney. I don’t know how much it cost back then, but I’m sure it would have been much easier for them to use that money some other way. Six children are a lot to feed and clothe, my Mom didn’t work outside the home (she worked her you-know-what off inside it, however!) and my Dad was (and still is) a realtor/appraiser which meant you didn’t get a regular paycheck. So I was aware even then that this investment in us kids meant something. They were happy to do it and they didn’t complain about the cost. I learned that a good education was important.
Catholic School Rules and Discipline
I also learned that while we did our best to bend the rules, there WERE rules and there were also consequences if you didn’t follow them. Here’s a few rules I remember:
- No rolling that plaid, pleated skirt to hike it up above your knees then hide it under a sweater vest. Sister Kathleen was really good at spotting anyone who’s hemline was more than an inch above the kneecap!
- No running down the halls, sliding down the stairway railings or chewing gum in class
- No swearing, sassing or disrespectful behavior towards teachers, staff or one another (at least within ear-shot)
- No smoking, unless of course you snuck across the fence to the parking lot on the other side
School Uniforms
The uniforms helped eliminate, or at least modify, one of the ways young people seek status and differentiation. You were less likely to harass someone or make snide comments about their clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. when everyone is dressed the same. Yes, I remember most of us tried our best to spice things up a bit by accessorizing “outside the lines”, but there were limits with that too. Uniforms put most of us on more of an even playing field. While I hated those plaid skirts back then, I see very good reasons for having them now!
Faith, Spirituality and School Spirit
I remember there were a few kids at Mooney who weren’t Catholic, but whose parents sent them there to get the parochial school education and environment. I remember celebrating and honoring the days of observation, the moments of prayer at athletic events, the sports teams bending at the knee in front of the statue of Mary before a home game, etc. I believe the benefit of attending a Catholic school was the momentum in school spirit when you combined it with religious commitment. It strikes me now, that it was like a “biggee sized” boost – and something that is missing from our public school system.
Whoops, I’m getting dangerously close to political commentary here – hold me back!
Character building qualities. This was probably one of the greatest benefits I believe we gained from a Catholic School Education. The combination of faith, structure, discipline, commitment and respect (towards oneself and others) provided the materials to build character and develop strong values to face life’s challenges. I believe we got an abundance of it!
And for that I personally am very, very thankful!
Until next time, Laura Benjamin (Schickler), writing from Colorado
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