RALEIGH – Her family was in the front row. Her 3rd grade students sat an aisle over and a few rows back. And the committee that named her its award recipient was situated near the altar.
But Christine Brennan, the honoree of the year, was at the back of the church playing the organ. Its wooden top was covered with vases of flowers sent to her by friends. She sang, played the instrument and checked on her choir members and cantor. After all, it was a school Mass. And music is one of the gifts she’s been sharing during her 27 years as an educator at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Raleigh.
Brennan was recently named the recipient of the 2024-2025 Monsignor Gerald L. Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Diocese of Raleigh’s Catholic schools. The community observed the occasion on campus with an all-school Mass April 9.
Father Chris Koehn, a committee member and close friend of Monsignor Lewis, celebrated Mass with Father Pat Keane, pastor of the parish, Deacon Byron Champagne and all those gathered, including Brennan’s children, grandchildren and husband Tom.
In his homily Father Chris talked with the students about mentors. He spoke of Brennan’s ability to keep students engaged through games that help them to learn and have fun. Father Chris also shared that, with God, people have a new opportunity each day to live a life of virtue.
“On this day, with great joy, we celebrate and acknowledge the gift of teachers,” he said, because they help to prepare students for life, not simply for jobs.
Cynthia Hicks, chair of the Lewis Award Committee, spoke about the group’s visit to Brennan’s classroom and the interview with her.
Hicks said that, for Brennan, it’s a priority for students to remember the lives of saints, feel the joy of singing and experience the power of prayer.
“It wasn’t lost on any of us that she shares her true faith,” said Hicks. “The most important roles we have are to teach and model to our students what it means to live in our faith.”
Hicks said that Brennan encourages students to work as a team, lead and cultivate friendship through experiences such as the Big Bad Wolf Play.
Brennan received a plaque from Hicks and a standing ovation from her school community. Lewis Award recipients receive a monetary gift as well.
In her remarks, Brennan thanked those gathered for their roles in her life.
“The greatest gift we can give students is the opportunity to grow their faith,” she said.
The Lewis Award was initiated in 1992 to honor outstanding educators in diocesan schools. It was established by Anne Stahel and named for Monsignor Lewis (1932-2024) to honor the gift of friendship he shared with her and her family.
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