Week Three: The Power of Education in Faith and Service

How does education shape those who serve others whether in the firehouse or on the mission field? This week, I’ve chosen to reflect upon the impact of training and education, inspired by the SMA Fathers, an order of missionary priests serving in Africa, and how their approach echoes within the training needs of the modern fire service.

SMA Fathers a Legacy That Highlights Universal Needs

The Society of African Missions (SMA Fathers) was founded in 1856 by Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac, a French cleric with a vision for building sustainable faith communities not only in Africa but in the United States South. Their mission was not simply to evangelize, but to empower and create local, self-reliant Catholic communities by training priests who were reflective of the communities that they served. This approach stands in contrast to the traditional missionary model, which often encouraged dependency on outside leadership. The SMA Fathers were the only order to accept black applicants for priesthood. The presence of the SMA Fathers was further expanded with the arrival of the Irish Priests who traveled to the western US ministering to the black communities who were underserved by both government and religion.  

I first encountered the SMA Fathers through their church, museum, and retreat house in Tenafly, NJ. The museum’s impressive collection of regional art is more cultural than religious, reflecting the importance of tradition and beauty in building community. Although I was only casually familiar with the church and the Fathers, attending Mass there for the first time in 2013 left a lasting impression. The church’s unique spirit and welcoming atmosphere made it a special place for me; one I now visit annually during the Lenten Pilgrimage.

Shared Lessons Between the Firehouse and Church

Learning about the SMA Fathers’ philosophy made me reflect on the impact that training and education have within the fire service, especially at the company level. In both settings, the goal is to advance independence and flexibility, not just technical competence.

Just as the SMA Fathers focus on building self-reliant communities by training local priests, effective fire service education aims to provide firefighters with an ability to lead, adapt, and serve independently. The pinnacle of success for an officer or instructor is to see the skills they’ve taught used successfully during an emergency operation. A close second is witnessing a former subordinate rise to a leadership position, incorporating the instructor’s philosophy and values into their own. This continuity of thought and action is what many  would call “buy-in”. A fundamental requirement for any organization to have continuity and an esprit de corps.

Cultivating this buy in isn’t always easy. It requires mentorship, shared values, and hands on experience. It also demands that culture, motivation, and mission are in alignment. When those elements come together, organizations become stronger and more adaptable, able to serve their communities with both skill and compassion.

Adopting the educational philosophy of the SMA Fathers, fire departments can strengthen community engagement by empowering local leaders through mentorship and training; conducting outreach to all segments of the community; satisfying the needs of these communities; and building partnerships with local organizations. By prioritizing targeted programs for vulnerable groups and encouraging open dialogue and feedback, departments can ensure their initiatives remain relevant and effective. Promoting teaching and mentorship as forms of leadership further cultivates trust and resiliency, aligning with the SMA Fathers’ legacy of building self-sustaining communities.

Recognizing That All People Are Unique

The SMA Fathers’ commitment to outreach is another powerful example. Their programs, such as the St. Martin Deaf Ministry in Accra, Ghana, serve marginalized communities and demonstrate the importance of tailored interventions. By establishing schools, seminaries, and educational programs, they’ve created an environment where faith can thrive sustainably.

Similarly, in the fire service, we recognize that certain populations require specific, focused interventions to increase their safety. My department, for example, has partnered with our mutual aid agencies to the east and west to support Autism Awareness programs. What began as a grassroots effort by a handful of active-duty members has grown to include the entire membership of three agencies, as well as retirees and friends. Whether it’s supporting the hearing impaired in Ghana or advancing Autism Awareness locally, both faith and emergency service communities recognize the importance of meeting people where they are.

 Conclusion: Building Durable Communities

In the 27 years that I served as a career firefighter, the past two years as a member of my community’s volunteer fire department and for the 19 years that I have taught at the university level I have seen the importance of training and education. With respect to this week’s reflection the continued impact of the SMA Father’s philosophy is undeniable, reinforcing the need to have emergency service personnel who are trained and educated so that they can positively impact lives and communities. By investing in the growth of others, we build organizations and societies that are not only more capable, but also more compassionate. As we continue our journeys of faith and service, may we strive to enable those around us, encouraging hope for the future.