It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

(oft-quoted Traditional African Proverb)

But we don’t even HAVE a ‘village’ at the moment!

So, build one.

How do we build this ‘village’ when we are NOT EVEN TOGETHER?

Well, create the SENSE of community.

It is not just our learning processes that have ‘taken a hit’ in this time of remote learning, but also impacted is our sense of belonging and connection.

Earlier this week in our daily staff catch up and prayer, we contemplated the concept of ‘community’ and how it is built from the sense of responsibility we have for each other. The value of reaching out to others cannot be understated while we are in lockdown and unable to access the normal channels of interaction. There are also MANY references to the importance of community in God’s words:

“… spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another….” Hebrews 10:24-25

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

“So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:5

Jesus spoke often about the way we must work together to love one another, such as those in Matthew -

Matthew 25:35 

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.

And even our 2021 Liturgical theme:

John 13:34

"As I have loved you, so you must LOVE one another." John 13:34

Maintaining a connection with others has been at the forefront of our staff’s efforts to establish processes that sustain our thriving community. The creativity, dedication and persistence that our staff has shown in this has been incredible and we strongly encourage all those who have not taken advantage of the opportunities for connection to do so.

It is, however, important for each of us to individually take action, not just to be the ‘villagers’ who are part of children’s lives, but to deliberately build, repair, and restore our school community for all – it may be a different, virtual community, but it is one to which we must all feel we belong. Just because we are apart, doesn’t mean we can’t be together, and it doesn’t just magically happen! It requires thought and effort by each of us.

Be part of the solution!

Please take a moment to consider what YOUR role might be as a parent, student, staff member, parish member, or friend of JPC in strengthening our community

(even remotely) for everyone in this time: 

1. 1. 1. What can YOU do to make others feel part of JPC, accepted, safe, & that they identify with us?
      2. What ACTION can YOU take to make others feel they ‘matter’ to our community?
      3. What can YOU do to make YOUR needs known, & to meet the needs of others?
      4. How can YOU create shared emotional connections that build bonds between us?

This week has seen more wonderful examples in our communities of people deliberately acting to show Solidarity, to uphold Human Dignity, to work for the Common Good, to give Preferential Option for the Poor and to promote Peace. You may recognise these terms as some of the elements of Catholic Social Teaching! With human dignity at its core, Catholic Social Teaching covers all spheres of life – the economic, political, personal and spiritual. It is a holistic approach to how we operate, which creates a highly functioning society that cares for the vulnerable in our midst.

Please take time to consider how YOU can give to others, welcome strangers, and build our community! Don’t leave it to someone else…..

Take care and love one another.

Jen Tually
Leader of Learning - Mission and Ministry