Katharine Drexel, often credited with helping lead the Catholic Church in America toward racial integration, was born in 1858 into a wealthy Philadelphia banking family.

Even though becoming one of the richest people in the country after her father’s death, she devoted her life and her fortune to education and racial justice. Traveling throughout the United States, she witnessed firsthand the harsh conditions faced by Native Americans and African Americans. During a visit to Europe, she met privately with Pope Leo XIII and asked him to send missionaries to the Native Americans. He asked: “Why don’t you become a missionary?”

She founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, dedicated to the education of Native American and African American communities. At her death in 1955 at age 96, the order had established 145 missions, dozens of schools, and Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation’s first university for African American students.

Perhaps one of the lessons we learn from Katherine is that the answer to challenges around us lie within ourselves. Pope Leo XIII, rather than sending missionaries, called her to be that missionary. When we see one of our learners struggling, when our learners’ families need nudging or comfort, when there is something missing in our parish catechetical program, or a problem in our neighborhood, community or nation, rather than complaining, can we be part of the solution?

Wonderings to Ponder and Live Today

• Are there unmet needs in our catechetical program, parish, or neighborhood that I regularly name but rarely address? What small step could I take?
• Belonging to God’s family means placing “we” before “me.” How do I help my learners grow into other-centered lives in a me-first world?

Author:

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP
Member, NCCL Board of Directors

Her book, SAINTS & MENTORS for Catechists: 41 Models of Faith to Support and Guide You, can be purchased from Twenty-Third Publications
[GET YOUR COPY HERE]

Learn more about Janet and her publications at https://www.janetschaeffler.com/