Sr. Maria Meza’s Theology IV classes are being covered by a variety of teachers this semester at Pius X.
Meza is away for the semester caring for her mother and brother. In her absence, other teachers have stepped up to teach her classes.
“I was really sad when I found out she wouldn’t be there because I was looking forward to being in her class,” senior Owen Minchow said.
Senior Tobias Jordan continues to pray for Meza during this time.
“I’m praying that Sister will come back for good reasons,” Jordan said.
The teachers are also praying for Meza.
“I am praying for Sister that she may both find and bring peace to her situation,” said Diocese of Lincoln Director of Religious Education Jeff Schinstock, who is covering for Meza’s second period class.
The new teachers of this class have specific goals for the 2024 senior class.
“My main goal for Theology IV this year is to help students understand the truth more fully, and to gain confidence in defending their faith,” said instructional coach Anthony Miranda, the cover for Meza’s first period class.
The main focus of apologetics is finding and defending the truth. This is what the seniors are learning in Theology IV.
“My hope is to have collective discussion seeking what is true and real,” Schinstock said.
Having a lay person as a theology teacher is not usual at Pius X. Most theology classes are taught by sisters and priests.
“Having Mr. Miranda as teacher has given me a new perspective of the Catholic faith, and what it means to be Catholic outside of the Catholic community,” Jordan stated.
Even though Meza is gone, students have still been able to learn important truths about the Catholic faith. The seniors in these classes are doing this through notes, readings, discussions, tests, and projects, just like any other class.
“This class has been pretty cool, especially through all the partner work we have done,” Minchow said.
It is important to Pius X that the students can still learn theology as normal, even with Meza being absent.
“I want to be the best that I can be, so that my students can succeed,” Miranda said.
