Archbishop Hanus deserves credit for holding teachers to moral standards. But the decision is a hard one. Tom Girsch was a popular teacher at Columbus High School, having taught there for 32 years. And coaching the football team for 28 years made him visible to the community.
I do not doubt that the decision was hard. It is obvious that Mr. Girsch was well-liked for many years. In many ways he may be a very fine man. The important decisions in life are often the hardest ones to make.
However, we cannot lose sight of the Gospel message that must be the life blood of any Catholic school. I think that all teachers in Catholic schools should always examine themselves with this question: 'Am I a Catholic Christian first [before my identity as a teacher, a coach, etc.]? Am I living a life that is consistent with the
mission of the school that I serve [note: consistent with the Catholic mission of the school, not consistent with a successful sports program, nor the short-sighted goals of some parents, etc., nor one’s own career ambitions, etc.]
I believe that once you decide to teach/coach at a Catholic school you are taking another step. It becomes truly a ministry and not just a job.
If I had children at Catholic school, I would rather them have a coach with a modest winning percentage and a strong faith and character–one who taught the lessons of life by how he lived… rather than a “successful” and well-like coach who did not see his faith as important enough to pass on through a life of consistency and integrity (keeping in mind, these teachers sign contracts stating that they will abide with the school’s mission).
I see way to much sports idolatry in our American culture today, and it has seeped into our Catholic schools so much to the point that one often wonders what makes them ‘catholic’ if the mission of the Gospel is not at the forefront of who they are.
