January 6, 2012
People of Faith
Vincennes teacher considers the saints as best role models
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 Aaron Hollowell, a 24-year-old theology teacher at Rivet High School in Vincennes.
What is the best part of your job? Getting to talk and work with my students every day. They are a great group of young adults with a great sense of humor and very intelligent.
What is the hardest part of your job? The hardest part of my job is probably answering some of the question these students have about the Catholic faith. If you ever think you fully understand the Catholic faith, teach a group of high school students. They ask some very good and deep questions. Whether they know it or not, the questions get to the heart of human dignity and the human person.
How did you become a religion/theology teacher? I have always wanted to be a teacher. I studied both Theology and history in college, and I have been raised in a Catholic schools environment. I believe God used these things to foster a calling to Catholic education.
How do you connect with teens? I am sure my students would tell you that I do not connect with them, but I still try and treat them with dignity. These kids are developing their faith and are very intelligent; therefore, I try to help foster those things.
Who do you consider to be the best role models today? The saints. They have been the best role models for Christians for 2,000 years. If people want to know how to live their life, we should all look at the saints. Each saint is very unique but they share a common love for the Trinity and the Church.
Do you have any hobbies? How do you stay active? In my spare time, I try to read a little bit and work out. I mainly love to go hiking and spend time outdoors. This past summer I spent a few weeks in the wilderness on the Appalachian Trail.
Of those things that are possible to change in the Catholic Church, what would you change? I think the best thing that we could do is to study the Church teachings. When we fully understand what the Church teaches and why she teaches it, then we will be able to change the world. The Church has been teaching for about 2,000 years; therefore, we can benefit greatly from it.
What do you do in your spiritual life that you would recommend to others? In college, I started to try and go to daily Mass. I still try to get to Mass a few times throughout the week. Some times that is difficult to accomplish. I try to make it a point to go to Eucharistic Adoration throughout the week.
Contact Steve at shalbig@evdio.org