MENTORSHIP: AN INVITATION FROM OUR FAITH TRADITION
MENTORSHIP: AN INVITATION FROM OUR FAITH TRADITION
Companionship in ministry is a recurrent theme throughout the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. From Paradise to Pentecost, the biblical stories remind us that God’s companionship is most powerfully felt through the loving and supportive relationships of our life.
As a community of Catholic educators, we have the distinct privilege to companion one another in our teaching ministry. At this unique time in the history of Catholic Education in the Province of Ontario, we stand ready to welcome many new teaching colleagues to our Board. Our efforts at mentorship must mirror and model the spirit of biblical stories.
What kind of mentorship can we offer to those who are just beginning their teaching ministry? The New Teacher Induction Committee, in keeping with the Vision and Mission of the Toronto Catholic District School Board and the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations, envisions a mentorship that reflects the elements of Biblical mentorship:
ELI
AND SAMUEL: A MENTORSHIP OF CLARIFICATION (1 SAMUEL 3).
Eli assisted Samuel in discerning his
call to serve God. Often, we need someone to help us to listen to
the unique ways that God invites us to live out our vocation as teacher.
Who helps you clarify what it means to be called to be a Catholic teacher?
In what ways has this person(s) invited you to articulate more clearly
what it means to be a Catholic teacher?
NAOMI
AND RUTH: A MENTORSHIP OF SUPPORT (RUTH 1: 6-22).
In times of struggle, we need someone
to walk with us, and to share the wisdom of their experience. Who is helping
you/supporting you in your times of struggle? What wisdom have you
been offered?
ELIZABETH
AND MARY: A MENTORSHIP OF AFFIRMATION (LUKE 1: 39-56).
In times of doubt and uncertainty, we
need a mentor who affirms our gifts. What do you name as the gifts you
bring to teaching? Who has affirmed your gifts for teaching?
JESUS
AND PETER: A MENTORSHIP OF EMPOWERMENT (MATTHEW 16:13-19).
Especially at the beginning of an enterprise,
we need a mentor to encourage us to have confidence and to assume responsibility.
Who has confidence in your ability to teach? How are you empowered
in your vocation to teach?
Ultimately, all of our efforts in support of new teachers are the work of the Holy Spirit. So, we pray for the strength and guidance of the Spirit for all those who offer their gifts as mentors. May God richly bless them for their service on behalf of Catholic education.
“ THEN JESUS SUMMONED THE TWELVE AND
BEGAN TO SEND THEM OUT TWO BY TWO….” MARK 6: 8
Who would you name as your companion(s)
in teaching?
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