Added to this unprecedented avalanche of information are other problems, such as violence and the growing number of attacks at schools and college campuses. Furthermore, when it comes to Catholic schools, other challenges arise. In the words of Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, archbishop emeritus of Galveston-Houston: “The Catholic school is the no. 1 place for evangelization, but also the no. 1 place where a child’s faith is lost.”

These words, beyond being harsh, are a call to reflect on the way we are teaching the faith. Let’s talk about three common mistakes in our catechesis in order to reflect on the teaching we are imparting as Catholic institutions. We will conclude with three viable and concrete solutions for getting down to work.

You can’t give what you don’t have.

Some Catholic schools across the nation are closing their doors because their teaching methods and curriculum are not based on Christian faith. Far from confirming the vision of the Gospels, the focus of teaching blurs it and, in some cases, contradicts it.

Furthermore, in many of these schools, the staff who call themselves “Christian” are few, and those who call themselves “Catholic” are even fewer. It is not surprising that the identity of the Catholic institution is being lost, since often faith is no longer a guiding principle, or those who set an example for children are not interested in living Christian virtues.

Lack of catechesis in the last few generations.

Several decades ago, teaching the faith ceased to be a priority. It has been transmitted through emotionality, scrupulousness and/or cultural tradition. For this reason, many teachers with a Catholic background teach out of good will, but few do so from sound, catechetical formation.

Sometimes, parents have a very superficial and basic knowledge of the faith, which is not sufficient when it comes to answering the transcendental questions that young people have.

When the principles of faith are not clear, it is not possible to give reasons for them. The big question is: Who teaches the faith? Kind-hearted volunteers in parishes? Parents? Teachers? All these people are key and irreplaceable, so the better their training, the more effective the transmission of the faith will be.

We forget about a personal encounter with Christ.

The most important thing is that when it comes to the Catholic faith, we are not teaching concepts, we are presenting a living person: Jesus Christ. The problem is that we forget about that personal encounter with Jesus, most likely because we do not know how or where to find him.

This is when the experience of the sacraments and prayer become key, not out of obligation and routine, but out of the thirst of a heart in love. Some excellent questions we should ask ourselves are: Do we prioritize opportunities to encounter Jesus during the school experience? Do our teachers, especially those with a Catholic background, know Christ? Are they in love with him and able to share his presence?

Obviously, each school is a unique universe with its own strengths and challenges. These are just some of the issues we can point out in general terms. So, now let’s talk about three possible solutions that could revolutionize the teaching of faith and, from there, positively impact our world.

Formation of the heart

We have focused on forming the mind and have made amazing progress. Then, we have formed the body, and physical skills have progressed in an admirable way. Finally, if resources and time remain, we have formed consciences, and faith has been used as a tool to teach moral aspects.

However, we must also form the heart: the place of the inner, emotional and psychological universe of every human being, and the sacred enclosure where the relationship with God arises. The first thing we must teach is the proclamation of the Good News, the kerygma: that personal call to have an intimate relationship with Christ. If our students graduate with Jesus as their best friend, we will have achieved the best of goals.

Talk about the truth

The best thing about the Gospel is not that it is a good or beautiful message. No, the best thing about the Gospel is that it is true, and the centrality of our faith is Christ’s victory over death. Christianity is an event: the Eternal Word became flesh, and his resurrection is a historical fact that changed the course of humanity forever.

How much do we reflect on the Resurrection in our classrooms? Let’s talk to young people about eternal life, our call to holiness and the salvation of souls. Only then will we begin to see conversions inside and outside the classroom.

Evangelizing our educators

Young people listen to preachers, but they follow and imitate witnesses. To transform Catholic education, it is essential to catechize those who teach, especially those who teach the faith. Let us give our teachers the time and resources to have a personal encounter with Jesus.

If we only give information but do not give witness or example, students will never believe our message. If the teacher does not live the faith, does not experience God’s love and share it, what example do we expect our young people to follow? Personal commitment to Christ is what makes the difference.

The formation of the heart comes before that of conscience, mind and body. If we succeed in modeling that precious place in our students and teachers, we will be certain that we are building a future where the victory of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and divine love will bear the fruits of eternal life in a world thirsting for truth.