"The learning curve"by Bishop William S. Skylstad (From the Sept. 13, 2001 edition of the Inland Register)
We have a life-long responsibility to learn about our faith and the teaching of the Church. Too often we look at certain stages in life as a completion of the educational process. We finish religion education classes in grade school or high school, and so, as the thinking goes, we have pretty much finished our educational process. The learning curve symbol seems to indicate that there is a time in our life where we address the need to learn a lot, and then we can back off when we have reached a certain level. I would respectfully suggest that for us as members of the Church, the learning curve is always heading upward. There is never really a time in our lives when we have reached the summit of our educational endeavors. Not infrequently today one hears the comment that we have a whole generation of people within the Church who lack a solid understanding of our tradition and teaching. St. Paul in his letter to the Galatians (6:15) reminds us that “all that matters is that we are created anew.” Learning for us demands an attitude of heart and mind, an openness to grow in knowledge, an appreciation of the tremendous breadth and depth of the teaching of the Church. Sacred Scripture is always an opportunity of learning more about the wonderful and mysterious treasure of God’s Word. Spirituality is an ongoing challenge for all of us. Retreat experiences and many new books about spirituality assist us in our own spiritual growth. We must not allow ourselves to become complacent learners or think the responsibility of continued learning belongs only to certain people, especially the young. We adults have a serious responsibility to share with them the example of an eagerness and desire to learn and be open to new insights and experiences of faith. On the practical level, what does all of this suggest to us? Each of us should commit himself/herself to some learning or formational activity every year within the parish. As a bishop, I must continue to learn. That’s why I read a lot. That’s why I attend workshops that will help me to serve your better. With all of the opportunities I have to learn, I also well recognize how much I don’t know. In a way, that’s a funny thing. The more we know, the more we recognize how limited we are and how little we really do know. Similarly, parishioners have often told me how helpful their participation as a sponsor for a catechumen or candidate in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) has been. Their own understanding of their faith is enriched by participating in the process. In order to take up this challenge of continued learning, we must constantly commit ourselves to be learners, to grow in wisdom and grace. There can be many opportunities to meet our needs and gifts:
These are a few suggestions. We are called to be disciples of Jesus, learners all. May God grant us wisdom and commitment to this common challenge.
Bishop Skylstad’s Schedule
Sept. 10-13: USCCB Administrative Board meeting, Washington, D.C.
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School is now back in session.
Life in parish and society in general
seems to take on a different flavor. The pace is different. A new
grade or the last year of high school or college can spark
enthusiasm and expectation. Religious education classes in parishes
begin anew. Maybe it’s a time for Confirmation/First Eucharist
preparation, or finishing a degree in religious studies for one who
wishes to minister in the Church. For a few it may be another year
in preparation for a vowed, Religious life or in preparation for
reception of sacred orders.