Millennial writer Meghan Clark writes:

In a fragmented world, Christian education emphasizes the development of the whole person in community. It is not merely skills or job training. “Education does not measure its value only on the axis of effi­ciency: it measures it according to dignity, justice, the capac­ity to serve the common good,” writes the Holy Father. By holding up these principles as “guiding stars,” he invites us to begin imagining new ways of living out our tradition and embracing creativity in the face of new challenges.

Lifelong learning is crucial to prioritizing dignity, justice, and the common good. It cultivates curiosity, humility, and an openness to both God and neighbor. It is an essential habit of discipleship….

The call of Catholic education and Catholic social teaching is to go out, dialogue with our neighbors, and pursue the common good. Together we build and form communities. Seeking wisdom is an important part of this. Pursuing wisdom and justice is not a matter of accumulating facts or reinforcing what we already know. Instead, we are called to encounter our neighbor….

Participation in the social, economic, cultural, and political life of the community is both a right and a duty according to Catholic social teaching. For Catholics, the political community is an important place where we come together for the common good. In Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship), Pope Francis noted, “For many people today, politics is a distasteful word.” Too often the realities of corruption and exploitation lead people to retreat from engaging in politics. Even more dangerous, by retreating from politics, people no longer prioritize civic education or advocacy and the true meaning of democratic self-governance fades away. In contrast, politics is an important place for lifelong learning and participation….

Good politics requires engaged citizens with an openness to learning. The start of a new school year and an upcoming election cycle present us all with just such an invitation to learn, engage, and participate.