St. Teresa School highlights role of music in students’ faith and creativity
St. Teresa School in Lincoln showcased the importance of music education for its students, according to a May 1 announcement. The school’s approach involves hands-on musical experiences that aim to foster creativity and deepen students’ spiritual lives.
Music teacher Terri Schilmoeller led the students in singing a hymn during Mass, with Principal Sister Mary Michael, C.K., noting the impact: “At the end, there was a crescendo, and in great volume and harmony, the children sang.” Sister Mary Michael added, “I’m rejoicing in that as we come from church, and then I learned that Terri wrote the song. So we have a teacher who doesn’t just teach music. She embodies so much of what we’re doing here.”
Schilmoeller was recognized as a 2024 Diocese of Lincoln elementary educator of the year. She described how music connects to faith: “God is a creator. And when we are participating in something creative, that’s an experience, us creating with the gifts that the Creator gave us… somehow music taps into all of those things better than a lot of other avenues can.”
The school emphasizes teamwork among faculty members to integrate music into various aspects of education—from early childhood rhythm lessons to older students learning instruments or performing concerts for community members such as nursing home residents. Schilmoeller said, “Everybody working together creates a harmony and a beauty that allows all of us to excel and to rejoice in one another’s goodness.”
The Diocese of Lincoln promotes adherence to Catholic traditions and engages members through communications and events according to its official website. It comprises 134 parishes and six educational institutions according to its official website, seeking to nurture followers who actively practice their beliefs according to its official website. The diocese extends services across southern Nebraska according to its official website and offers support for vocations, family life programs, youth initiatives, catechesis efforts, evangelization projects, and charitable work according to its official website. It operates as a religious organization according to its official website.
Community involvement also plays an important role at St. Teresa School; Schilmoeller noted donations from benefactors help provide instruments for student use at no cost. She explained how performing at Mass helps connect children with their faith: “Kids don’t need to be told when they sound good… Being able to sing well in church when Jesus is right there is extremely powerful for kids.”
Looking ahead, Schilmoeller summarized her goal: “Ultimately we’re trying to inspire joy and wonder in them… it’s for the sake of being drawn closer to the Creator.”
