by Anna Kropf

Schools, private schools in particular, are businesses. Each one has a product it “sells” to consumers–in this case, education. As a college preparatory private school, St. Teresa’s must maintain a high and focused academic level, a quality attractive to both parents and students. STA, however, is, above all, a Catholic institution.

The “Catholic” part of the St. Teresa’s name has recently been unable to hold its own in the recruitment of future STA students. As a senior ambassador, I’ve seen the emphasis placed on academics, sports, and fine arts, and the lack of emphasis on faith. In trying to reach the greatest consumer base possible, STA sacrifices its Catholic name for enrollment.

I have felt STA is even embarrassed and sorry to be Catholic.

STA is not the only Catholic school in the area suffering in Catholic pride. As an eighth grader in 2010 touring potential high schools, I recall St. Thomas Aquinas High School mentioned faith no more than twice. Preaching their Catholicism is honestly not going to be the key selling point, especially when they cannot hope to match the ultra-conservative St. James Academy in commitment to faith. For example, St. James plasters “Keeping Faith” on everything, especially their website. STA’s website contains nothing of the sort, except a scrolling photo on the homepage stating, “Founded in the Cornerstones of Catholic Faith.” I guess it’s a start.

STA’s level of faith awareness on campus and in student life has increased over the decade with the additions of class masses, a praise band, and new theology teachers. Yet, how deeply is the Campus Ministry department involved in spreading the spirit of Catholicism. Why does STA not organize or advertise the March For Life in Washington DC? Why is mass a chore to students, and also teachers, who may be annoyed by a break in the regular schedule? Maybe it is of no consequence, but I’ve always wondered why mass is called liturgy, not called what it really is: mass. Joe LaScala has a challenging task in trying to reboot interest in being Catholic among students.

I cannot solely blame others for this decrease in faith because I have had many opportunities to increase faith at STA, opportunities which I have consciously chosen to ignore. However, I am a proud Catholic and I do have a problem when students complain STA is Catholic. Going to STA requires representing a Catholic institution. There are plenty of other schools in the area for students who cannot handle the task. STA is extremely attractive for its unique qualities, but you cannot overlook the fact that it is also faith-based.

Faith is a sensitive subject for many believer and non-believers. Therefore, STA cannot force any level of Catholicism on their students. On the flip side, students cannot condemn STA, and STA cannot be ashamed of its own Catholic identity.