Catholic Schools Week - Vocation Reflection

Blog Post written by Ms. Emily Byers, Dean of Student Formation, Alumni Liaison

Before I was consecrated nearly a decade ago, I was familiar with the idea of spiritual motherhood; however, it was only after I started teaching at JPG that I understood how it would be such an integral part of my lived experience. I actually changed careers just a few months after my consecration, so for me, the experience of spiritual motherhood has always been tied to teaching. In many ways, being a spiritual mother to my students— praying for and with them, offering guidance, nurturing their gifts— has helped to keep me anchored to Christ as I live and work in the world.

In Mulieris Dignitatem, Pope John Paul II writes: “Spousal love always involves a special readiness to be poured out… In marriage this readiness, though open to all, consists mainly in the love that parents give to their children. In virginity this readiness is open to all people, who are embraced by the love of Christ the Spouse” (21). My total gift of myself to Jesus as a consecrated virgin makes it possible for me to be a fruitful spiritual mother— but only if I remain united to Him: “As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4, RSVCE). 

Everyone knows that teaching isn’t easy. It stretches me daily in many of the same ways as parenthood: I’m often overwhelmed by a neverending list of tasks, sleep-deprived, and desperate for a snack or a bathroom break— but more importantly, teaching, like parenting, is an incredibly effective school of humility. Become a teacher (or a parent), and it becomes impossible not to confront your own poverty. Human strength alone is simply inadequate to such demanding work. The personal limitations I’m forced to confront as I attempt to bring Christ to life in my students compels me to rely on Him, just as my married friends rely on their spouses’ cooperation in their vocation as parents. And here’s the real lesson I’ve learned in my vocation: over the years, Jesus has made me more and more aware that spiritual parenthood is a work that He and I share as spouses. I am not called to bear fruit in the world by myself! None of us are.

With each year that passes, I continue to be grateful that the Lord has called me to live out my vocation to virginity and spiritual motherhood here in the JPG community, which has supported and nurtured me in such beautiful ways. Thank you for being my companions on the journey and for allowing me to participate in the sacred work of raising the next generation of saints!

Ms. Byers was consecrated in 2012. She began teaching at JPG later that same year. She has taught Upper School Humanities, Theology, Creative Writing, and Performing Arts. She is also the Faculty Sponsor of the Drama Club and Falcuty Head of Guadalupe House.