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the Father (Jn 20: 21). The disciples, in turn, were
given the mission to form other disciples, bringing
them to the true master and teacher to shape and
form their lives as well. The mentor, however, must
represent Jesus in many ways, giving practical
guidance and advice, including standing in as a
witness and example of the Christian life.
It is of the utmost importance, therefore, for teach-
ers to grow in their own life of discipleship so that
they can give to their students what they have
experienced. For teachers to help students encoun-
ter Christ and grow in the Christian life, they too
must have regular encounters in prayer and receive
support in their own spiritual growth. Although it
is true that we learn by teaching (discimus docen-
do), the school looks for teachers who are prepared
to form disciples and also invites its teachers into
an ongoing encounter with Christ, to grow in the
Christian life, and to teach and mentor students as
part of the school's mission. Teachers spend a large
amount of time with students each day and the
success of the mission of discipleship will depend
upon their ability to communicate the faith and
support the Christian life of their students. Teach
-
ers must serve as mentors of the Christian faith in
everything that they do within the school.
