Maureen’s Message: The Gift of a New School Year

“That’s our mission: forming students not only in what they know, but in who they become. That is God’s love lived out. That is the meaning of a Christ-centered education. What we learn helps us recognize what is true and good, deepens our understanding of the world around us, and ultimately helps us see God more clearly in ourselves and in one another.”

By: Principal Maureen Engen

Where faith meets learning

“For wisdom will enter your heart, knowledge will be at home in your soul.” Proverbs 2:10

Last week I ran into a former Miege student and commented on the cool tattoo on her shoulder. What caught my attention was that it was a Scripture verse: Philippians 1:5. Now, I don’t have any tattoos myself, and as Principal, I’m one of the administrators reminding our students who do have them that they need to keep them covered. So, there is a bit of irony in the fact that I was admiring one! But I have to admit, when a tattoo points you toward Scripture, even the Principal can appreciate it.

The former student explained that she was born on January 5, so Philippians 1:5 had become her verse, a reminder of her partnership in the Gospel.

I haven’t stopped thinking about that conversation.

For several reasons, it perfectly represented what we are trying to do at Miege: connect the head and the heart.

When something learned in a classroom connects to a student’s own life, it becomes cemented. It becomes more than information. It becomes something they carry with them and, eventually, something they can share with others.

That’s our mission: forming students not only in what they know, but in who they become. That is God’s love lived out.

That is the meaning of a Christ-centered education. What we learn helps us recognize what is true and good, deepens our understanding of the world around us, and ultimately helps us see God more clearly in ourselves and in one another.

Finding hope in a new school year

That conversation I had with the former student also made me think about the gift of a new school year. There is something hopeful about starting again. Teachers set new goals. Students walk through the doors with a fresh start and hope for a good year. Parents send their children off to Miege hoping these will be some of the best days of their lives.

I hope that when you talk with your own child, you are hearing that this is happening.

I hope they love their teachers. I hope they have made new friends. I hope they feel the positive energy that stretches from our seniors all the way to our freshmen. I hope they know there are adults in this building who care deeply about them.

And most importantly, I hope they see that Jesus is present at Miege, not simply in a crucifix on the wall or a picture in a classroom, but in the way we live.  In prayer.  In kindness.  In laughter.  In the smiles on the good days and in the people who walk beside us on the tough ones.

I can also share with you that there is an incredible spirit among our faculty and staff. With our new Assistant Principal, Sarah Wendt, our new President, Mike Riley, and, of course, Joe Schramp and Alex Keith, our administrative team is gelling, and there is positive momentum throughout the building.

I love it. And I love being the Principal of this amazing school.

After many years in education and the opportunity to experience several different school communities, I can say with great confidence that Bishop Miege is truly a special place. There is something here that is difficult to put into words: a strong sense of faith, an extraordinary commitment to students, and a community that genuinely cares for one another. As I begin my ninth year at Miege, I am more convinced than ever that we are blessed to be part of the most outstanding school community in the Kansas City area.

Together, for our students, let’s make this our best year yet!

And by the way, that former student’s tattoo got me thinking about my own birthday Scripture. Mine would read:

“My grace is sufficient for you.” Corinthians 12:9

What would yours say?

Here’s to connecting heads and hearts throughout the 2026–27 school year.