An old man meets a young man who asks:
“Do you remember me?”

And the old man says no.
Then the young man tells him he was his student,

And the teacher asks:
“What do you do, what do you do in life?”

The young man answers: “Well, I became a teacher.”

“Ah, how good, like me?” asks the old man.

“Well, yes. In fact, I became a teacher because you inspired me to be like you.”
The old man, curious, asks the young man at what time he decided to become a teacher. And the young man tells him the following story:

“One day, a friend of mine, also a student, came in with a nice new watch, and I decided I wanted it.
I stole it, I took it out of his pocket.

Shortly after, my friend noticed his watch was missing and immediately complained to our teacher, who was you.  Then you addressed the class saying, ‘This student's watch was stolen during classes today. Whoever stole it, please return it.’

I didn't give it back because I didn't want to.

You closed the door and told us all to stand up and form a circle.  You were going to search our pockets one by one until the watch was found. However, you told us to close our eyes, because you would only look for his watch if we all had our eyes closed.

We did as instructed.

You went from pocket to pocket, and when you went through my pocket, you found the watch and took it. You kept searching everyone's pockets, and when you were done you said ‘open your eyes. We have the watch.’

You didn't tell on me, and you never mentioned the episode. You never said who stole the watch either. That day you saved my dignity forever. It was the most shameful day of my life.

But this is also the day I decided not to become a thief, a bad person, etc. You never said anything, nor did you even scold me or take me aside to give me a moral lesson.

I received your message clearly.
Thanks to you, I understood what a real educator needs to do.
Do you remember this episode, professor?

The old professor answered, ‘Yes, I remember the situation with the stolen watch, which I was looking for in everyone’s pocket. I didn't remember you because I also closed my eyes while looking.’
https://findinghappinessinsingapore.wordpress.com/2020/07/10/the-story-of-the-stolen-watch/ on September 18, 2022
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+Dear St. Cecilia School Families,                                                                                     September 18, 2022

A former co-worker had this on her Facebook page.  This story has so many lessons. The author of the story mentioned that we do not need to embarrass our students to teach them.  It is good for all of us to remember that whatever our jobs or careers might be.  I know that in moments of frustration or stress, I can correct or remind someone (adult or student) about something, and it can be so negative and embarrassing. Taking a deep breath and the time to process can really help. 

Before I even read the author’s lesson, I thought about our teachers and how they make such a difference in the lives of our students. They can impact their lives forever.  Many times, however, they are unaware of this.  Their students don’t always come back to tell them.  Can you remember the teacher who changed the direction of your life? Maybe you could take a minute and let him or her know. If you don’t know where the teacher is, you can surely pray for him or her, whether in Heaven or still here on earth!

Today is Catechetical Sunday.  It is day to honor our teachers and catechists who lead the children to Jesus.  All teachers in our school and in our PREP program are given this tremendous privilege and responsibility.  Let us pray for them every day!

Let us also pray for the first teachers of the faith on this day: you, the parents of our students.  Let us all be open to the grace of God to lead our children closer to Jesus every day.  I think this Catechist Prayer is for all of us who are called to guide our young people.   

Loving Father, pour forth your Holy Spirit upon me that I may be a good catechist of your Word, your Son, Jesus Christ. Render my mind and heart so open, receptive and responsive to your Holy Spirit that, like Mary, I might become a living instrument of your Word to others. Help me to be a faithful witness to Gospel life so that your Church may become ever more alive. Let the fire of your love so enkindle my heart that I may be an instrument of drawing others to love of you in the Church of your Son. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Have a great week!
God bless you,
Sister Catherine Irene, IHM
 

The enitire Weekly Word may be found below.