Of course, our Catholic tradition recognizes the truth in the unnoticed caregiver archetype, bringing its spiritual meaning to light. Jesus Christ becomes the silent lamb who is led to slaughter by those who cannot recognize him, by those he came to serve. The first 30 years of his life of service were done in complete privacy. Even today, Jesus continues to watch, accompany and provide from the silent beauty of the tabernacle. Catholic monasteries and convents are also full of quiet caregivers who dedicate their lives to prayer and meditation, away from the limelight, and yet buttressing our efforts with the graces acquired through their prayer and fasting. They, and many others of the faithful, live fully the admonition to give and serve without seeking attention. “But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you” (Mt 6:3-4).

If you’ve walked into Divine Redeemer School in Hanahan at any point during the last 25 years, you will have met an energetic woman tending to children and the safety of the school in various ways. A veteran, Lori Wiegel brought the discipline of the armed forces mixed with the tenderness of a teacher’s heart to nurture and care for the thousands of children who have gone through the school during her tenure. She greeted everyone with a broad smile and a watchful eye as they made their way through the historic campus.

Wiegel is retiring. She leaves behind a legacy of service, showing a steadfast commitment to a school that has weathered many storms. Its alumni can be found all over the world, each with a memory of the woman who walked the halls making sure that no one was unattended among the chaos of a school day.

Through Wiegel’s work in shaping the next generation, we can be assured of a new group of workers for the vineyard. This, without a doubt, is a great recompense: to know that even as she begins a new adventure, her work will continue giving fruit for years to come. She and others at the school are important representatives of a community of educators who give of themselves every day without seeking recognition. Joining her in her mission and matching her commitment and dedication to the school over the decades are women with last names like Pugh, Hughes, Pease, Reabock, Provost and Martyn. Throughout the years, their pupils have appeared in papers for academic, athletic or social achievements, but their own names have rarely been published.

Educators are part of a larger community of diocesan workers — employees and volunteers — who keep salvation history moving forward without always receiving the accolades that their work merits. From volunteer sacristans to dedicated choir members and sanitation teams, our diocese is composed of caregivers and workers who are fueled for love of God and neighbor.

Literary archetypes blend the mythical and the everyday into forms that are universal and timeless. They allow us to capture and define realities that go beyond the lives of a single generation. This is the case with the archetype of the unnoticed caregiver, something that characterizes so much of Christian life. When we encounter one of these selfless givers in our lives, they allow us to enter into a deeper connection with God’s timeless and selfless love. 

Today, let’s pray for all the caregivers in and of our Church. Captured in our prayer will be individuals like Wiegel, volunteers in 40 Days for Life, priests, donors, ushers and many more whose actions have a tangible, unmistakable role in keeping the train on the rails and always moving forward.