Deacon Tim Michaelree, theology teacher, was recently featured in the St. Louis Review for his vocation as a permanent deacon. Deacon Michaelree teaches sophomore Scriptures classes, in addition to a senior-level Business Ethics and the Gospels course he developed from his years of experience in management and commodities trading.
The Business Ethics and the Gospels class applies ethical practice to business operations with consideration and help from the Gospels and scriptures. There is more to business than just making a profit in the short term. The objective is for students to become more aware of the importance ethics play in business, better equipped to consider ethical problems, and join in conversations to discuss possible solutions and skills of moral reasoning and ethical decision-making.
When Deacon Michaelree returned from a mission trip with a youth group, he began reevaluating how to use his life to better serve others. He started teaching in at the grade school level one day a week, then got his teaching certificate to go full-time. He also discerned the permanent diaconate, entered formation and was ordained in 2018.
Before school, after school, and during Activity Periods, he keeps his classroom door open for anyone who wants to come hang out and do work or talk. Often, students will come to him with questions of faith. Already this year, two have expressed interest in becoming Catholic; he typically connects students to a parish Christian initiation group but would be willing to help prepare them himself at Ursuline, if needed.
“I think the most important part of my job is just being there for them,” he said.
Deacon Michaelree also works closely with our Campus Ministry team to support our students by presiding over Communion services, assisting with faith formation opportunities, leading grief support groups for students who are coping with the loss of a loved one or a difficult time, and he also serves as the Assistant Coach to Ursuline’s Cross Country team.
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Photos courtesy of Jacob Wiegand | jacobwiegand@archstl.org