Catholic schools certainly look different today than they did 50 years ago when Momentum first was published. The 1970 inaugural edition contained a letter from then NCEA President Reverend C. Albert Koob, O.P., who back then described Momentum as a “forum for those many voices that are now being heard on matters pertaining to the progress and the problems of Catholic education.” This holds true today as Momentum still shares the great work and challenges of Catholic school education. Father Koob advocated for thoughtful and continued progress in areas such as school finance, investing in in-service training programs for teachers, administrators, pastors and board members and paying special attention to welcoming diversity in Catholic schools. Now we add new topics such as school choice, new technology, STREAM, and the shift from urban to suburban schools, to name a few. Momentum may not look the same after 50 years, but the work it represents, the impact of Catholic school education to the world today, does remain the same.
While we have moved from chalk to smart boards, from textbooks to iPads, and rows of desks to computer labs, the mission of Catholic schools remains the same: to teach the whole child in mind, body and spirit; to form boys and girls who will be good citizens of the world, loving God and their neighbors and destined to one day become saints. And let us remember that while Momentum celebrates 50 years, during that time truly millions of children have been educated in Catholic schools, including many of us who read this today. The gift and reach of this education, even if only measured over the past 50 years (and it goes way back beyond that – after all St. Elizabeth Ann Seton established St. Joseph Academy and Free School in 1810) – has played a massive part in the formation of this wonderful country and the ministry of the Church.
However, we must acknowledge that over the last 50 years Catholic school enrollment in the U.S. has declined from its peak in 1965 of 5.5 million students enrolled in Catholic elementary and secondary schools to 1970 with 4.4 million students and in 2019 with 1.8 million students. Our work continues, focusing on the education of each student whom we know by name, and also on building enrollment and growing this amazing ministry of the Church. There are so many lessons we can learn and need to learn, from the past 50 years, lessons about staying true to our mission to pass on the faith, embracing innovation as those who went before us have done, and knowing that truly God is behind our work. And let us remember that today is our time, our time to lead our classrooms, our students and our schools. It doesn’t belong to anyone else – just as when Momentum started in 1970 Catholic schools were the responsibility of others. While we are called to reflect on the great work of those who went before us, let us also remember that the ministry of Catholic school education in 2020 has been entrusted to us, to you and me.
With a grateful heart I celebrate along with you the 50th anniversary of Momentum. It is your magazine to share wit and wisdom within the ministry of Catholic education. The next time you walk into a classroom and stand before your students I ask you to recall your vocation to them: to teach in the here and now as a part of a community of Catholic educators permeated with the gospel spirit. Here’s to 50 more years of Momentum and to the gift of retrospection guiding us to the present before leading us into the future.
Read C. Albert Koob’s first President’s Message at www.NCEA.org/momentum