October 7, 2011
People of Faith
Theology teacher puts faith into practice in classroom, wrestling room
BY STEVE HALBIG
The People of Faith feature is compiled by Steve Halbig, who asks a series of questions of people of the diocese — some who have reached the “age of wisdom” and some who are younger. All will share stories of faith.
This month’s People of Faith focuses on 31-year-old Greg Schaefer, who teaches theology to the sophomores at Mater Dei High School and also just happens to be the head wrestling coach.
When discussing the two subjects, Schaefer observes, “Discipline and sacrifice are required in our faith. Discipline and sacrifice also are required in wrestling.”
He and his wife Kristi (8 years of marriage) have sons Isaiah, 5, and Caleb, 3, and are expecting a girl this month.
Schaefer, a two-time state champion his freshman and senior year at Mater Dei, majored in kinesiology at Indiana University. Besides his teaching and coaching duties, he is studying for his master’s in Catholic Thought and Life at St. Meinrad. Read what else he has to say about teaching and faith.
What is the best part of your job? Through teaching and coaching I have the privilege to witness students identify their gifts and accept the challenge to develop and utilize their God-given abilities. I enjoy the opportunity to develop many meaningful relationships through striving for a common goal.
What is the hardest part of your job? Attempting to teach students that they must take ownership of their learning as well as their faith life.
Did you wrestle at IU? Yes, 4-year starter.
How did you become a theology teacher? I originally taught P.E. and health early in my teaching/coaching career. I have always had a passion for the sport of wrestling with the intentions to be involved in coaching. During my late college years and early years of marriage, I was blessed with a renewal of faith, in a sense a rediscovering of my Catholic faith. In the spring of 2008, I decided to take a visit to St. Meinrad. I left with an application for admission and an outline of classes to graduate with an MA. I soon after found myself presented with an opportunity to serve as Campus Minister and Theology teacher at Mater Dei.
How do you connect with teens? At times this can be a tall order, but for starters, I do my best to try and remember what it was like to be a teenager (I realize this could get more difficult with age). I attempt to have an approachable and non-judgmental demeanor which may allow students to share thoughts and/or ask questions.
Who has been a big influence in your life? I feel that I have had the opportunity to be exposed to many great individuals in my life. I would say that the most influential people in my life have been my parents, who have always been a source of love and support.
Who do you consider to be the best role models today? On a practical level, parents and teachers spend the most time with our youth and thus have the greatest opportunity to be the greatest role models. In my opinion, anyone who uses their abilities to their potential to bring honor to God, their family and community should be seen as a role model. Tony Dungy is good for me as a coach. He doesn’t compromise his principles; he works on the highest level.
Describe how your faith helped you through a difficult time in your life? When I was a senior in college, I had a number of concerns that taught me humility, or as I would tell my students, I was eating at an all-you-could-eat humble pie buffet. This humbling experience served as a window of grace that allowed me to realize that I needed to get over myself and my plans and be more open to what God might have in store.
Do you have any hobbies? How do you stay active? As many people know, your hobbies change with age and your phase of life; having young children there is never a dull moment. If I have the opportunity for “me” time, I enjoy fishing and golfing. When I am not coaching you can usually find me spending time with family and friends, exercising, working on my master’s degree at St. Meinrad or working on a honey-do list.
If you could make one change in your community, what would it be? Comparatively speaking our community is not as bad off economically as many other places. I too realize that creating new jobs is not an easy task. However, I feel that we could challenge ourselves as a community to do a better job of putting food on the shelves in our local food pantries. Even if we feel that we may not have much, odds are we still have something to offer.
Any regrets in life? I don’t feel that I have too many regrets in life. However, if I could go back, I would have been more proactive toward my academics and learned more about my faith at a younger age.
What do you do in your spiritual life that you would recommend to others? Last year, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to make a Cursillo retreat. Through Cursillo, I was able to witness the principle that there is strength in numbers and apply that to my life through new friendships that offer counsel and accountability.
What is your best wisdom on life? One of the greatest and most memorable lectures I received from my father had to do with expecting and appreciating. He challenged me to reflect on my life and determine if I had an expectant demeanor or one of appreciation. As I matured, I realized that it wasn’t so much that he wanted me to say thank you, or love him for providing for my family. The lesson to be learned was that he wanted me to receive fully what he had been offering. Whenever we appreciate, we are more apt to fully receive what is being offered.
If you know someone who would be a good People of Faith subject, contact Steve at shalbig@evdio.org