St. John Henry Newman inspires in new role at Stella Maris

This story was originally published in the Schools section of the Northern Cross.

“God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.” — St. John Newman

I was given a copy of this prayer from St. John Newman by a dear friend of mine named Dee when I entered Catholic school administration. Dee was little in stature but bold in all other respects, full of wisdom and reverently intentional in her prayer. When she handed the prayer card to me, Dee said, “Don’t forget, you have an important job, and he gave it to you … don’t screw it up.” Dee passed away a few years ago (she was nearing 100), but the copy of this prayer, tattered from being carried with me for the past 11 years, has become a regular reflection as I navigate my new role at Stella Maris Academy.

As I write this editorial, I, along with about 15 other exceptionally dedicated teachers and leaders from Stella Maris Academy and other Diocese of Duluth Catholic schools, are gathered at the University of St. Thomas for a conference on building a stronger and more meaningful Catholic program in our schools. We celebrated Mass with Archbishop Hebda and Bishop Conley in the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel.

St. John Newman was referenced within the homily, which naturally led my thought to Dee’s prayer card. What an appropriate reflection for the Mass! Later that same evening we all gathered for the first plenary, where the presenter marveled at the 300+ attendees who “have been called to bring wisdom and virtue to students in our Catholic schools.” He shared the significant history of this mission and the value added to the community and world when it comes to fruition. On the screen was this prayer from St. John Newman.

There has been so much accomplished over the last five years at Stella Maris Academy, and we are not slowing down in our joyful mission to lead, love, and serve as Jesus did. St. John Newman’s prayer must continue to be a reflection as we grow the academy into a school that offers programming through high school. For that to come to fruition the way our students, families, and staff desire, we must all prayerfully consider our role and contribution to Catholic education — and then we must act, because he has not created us for naught!

Take a moment to really reflect on St. John Newman’s prayer – recognize that you are being called by him to do a very important mission. Through your vocation, both within the domestic church and in your professional work, there is a real and significant purpose. If together we all approach that call as a preacher of truth and angel of peace, can you imagine the transformation in the world?

St. John Newman, pray for us.

Andrew Hilliker is president of Stella Maris Academy in Duluth.