This week, we celebrate Catholic School Week throughout the country. As educators in a Catholic school, this time provides a perfect opportunity to examine our own commitment to the mission of Catholic education as uniquely expressed through the charism of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart.

St. Madeleine Sophie was blessed with a vision of education as a powerful, transformative and essential force for good in society. Touched by Jesus’ open heart, she saw that education was a pathway for conversion, liberation and reformation.

Educators in schools of the Sacred Heart share a deep-rooted conviction in the religious and educational mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart, and we are united in that mission across the globe. Such a gift cannot be taken for granted, nor can it be taken lightly. As Scripture says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48).

Each person in a Sacred Heart school takes up a role of stewardship each day, and each one enacts the mission in a unique way. As a “ministry,” our work is both a gift and a responsibility. Our intention to continue in this great work of education at Sacred Heart should be a free, honest and deep commitment to live out the Goals and Criteria each day at our very best–not in mediocrity, but at our very best; not for ourselves, but for the Lord.