Bishop Bernard Paul and Deacon Louis Martin with the Johor CTA members and guest speakers
By Herald Malaysia
Aug 12 2023
JOHOR BAHRU – Christian educators play a vital role in shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation, instilling academic knowledge, and guiding students toward spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of Christian values.
The Catholic Teachers Association of Johor held its annual meeting at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on July 22.
Bishop Bernard Paul graced the event. In his address, the prelate reminded all Catholic teachers to see the truth, good, and beauty of being a teacher.
Southern Infant Jesus coordinator and MJ-MSC representative Elizabeth Chong and Regional Lasallian Education Council chairperson for Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor, Vivienne Cheong were guest speakers. The theme of their talks was Call to Teach, Teach from the Heart.
They shared that Catholic educators are entrusted with upholding the mission, vision, and Christian values of their schools, fostering an environment of faith and integrity.
Baptism marks the initiation into the Christian faith and comes with three meaningful gifts. The passport signifies citizenship in God’s kingdom, where believers are heirs to eternal life. The fishing rod symbolises the duty to share the Gospel and bring others to Christ with love and compassion. The residence certificate represents belonging to the community of believers, the Church, and BECs, fostering support and growth.
Teaching is not a mere job; it is a calling from God to impact lives positively. Christian educators view their profession as a vocation, embracing their role in shaping the character and values of future generations.
To be effective, Christian teachers must emulate Christ inside and outside the classroom. By showing Christ’s love, compassion, and patience, they create a nurturing and safe learning environment. Living out Christian values in their personal lives sets an example for others to follow.
Besides imparting knowledge, educators are called to engage with students on a deeper level, making a positive impact in their lives. This mission involves teaching well, displaying love and care for the students, and being a genuine role model.
To accomplish this, Christian educators should extend their reach to students facing difficult circumstances, such as those from broken families, impoverished backgrounds, or needing emotional support. They aim to touch the lives of their students, acknowledging their unique qualities as children of God and valuing each individual’s personality and learning style.
Christian educators should demonstrate patience, understanding that each student’s journey is different. They come down to the level of their students, humbly connecting with them to build meaningful relationships and trust.
Ultimately, by living out these principles, Christian educators fulfil their responsibility to Christ, becoming Christ-like in both their words and actions within the school setting, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of their students.
By mirroring Christ’s teachings in school and personal lives, educators become beacons of God’s love, positively influencing students and communities, and leaving a lasting impact on the world. – Herald Malaysia
