John Paul Quejada is a current Seton Teaching Fellow at Brilla Caritas Middle School in the Bronx, where he teaches 5th grade Catechism. He attended Franciscan University of Steubenville and will be entering the Dominican Friars in July 2026.
Living as a Seton Teaching Fellow in the Bronx has transformed my understanding of perfection. Life in the Bronx can be as messy as the streets. The kids we serve often have family situations that are far from perfect. Enter John Paul Quejada, recovering perfectionist. Unlike some of my wonderful students, I was a perfectly behaved kid in middle school. I even cried in 6th grade when I received a B+ in Art.
All my life I have tried to ensure that everything is perfect. Then I became a Seton Teaching Fellow.
Children Cure Perfectionism
Near the beginning of this year, I attempted Lectio Divina with my 5th grade Catechism class on a passage from Isaiah. To frame the lesson, I said, “Because this is a silent activity, spread out so you are not tempted to talk to your friends. You can sit wherever you like, as long as it is not near anyone else.” My class scattered. Three kids ran to the back of the classroom to claim the spot under the teacher’s desk. Two students immediately began disputing over who would get the corner. One kid sat on the forbidden sill next to the windows. I slowly read from Isaiah, walking across the classroom and shushing kids between verses. The five minutes of Lectio were broken up by commands to stop sitting on the desks, reminders that whispering is still talking, and one, “No, you cannot lay down under the teacher’s desk!”
I thought the Lectio Divina activity was a flop, until I read the reflections the kids wrote afterwards. Amidst the general chaos, they heard Jesus speaking to them. One wrote, “I feel brave.” Another, “Praying makes me want to grow closer in relationship with God.” A third, “It is peaceful to listen to Jesus.” God knows I was not feeling His peace at that moment!
Amidst the general chaos, they heard Jesus speaking to them.
Jesus does not need a perfect teacher to speak to His children. I catch myself thinking that in order to be a worthwhile missionary I cannot make mistakes. Every lesson must go smoothly. Every kid and every parent must be happy. Experiences like our Lectio Divina activity remind me that Jesus will not stop seeking His children just because I sometimes mess up. It is through my weaknesses and imperfections that He proves that this mission is not simply about my effort; it is about His fidelity.
Perfectionism in Community
Living in community is not perfect either. My community named me the “Spiritual Chair,” so I lead Evening Prayer every night. Occasionally, somebody is missing from communal prayer. I used to track them down, lure them to the chapel, and get stressed out that we were running 4 minutes behind schedule. As I have grown closer to my community members, I see the obstacles we have all overcome. Becoming a fellow has forced us to grow up, take responsibility, and overcome bad habits. I have stopped getting stressed out about making communal prayer perfect. I’ve learned that while timeliness is good and important, grace and understanding matter more.
Community life can also be messy. While on mission, dishes pile up, heaters break, and finding time for bonding activities can be challenging. However, I have learned to trust the process, and that the Lord has plans for us and for our community that are not thwarted by the messiness of life. One cold night in December, I felt like nothing was going right. My classroom was disorganized and I was dealing with a family situation. At dinner, everything I’d been carrying came to the surface, and my community supported me and reminded me that I am not alone and that I am doing a great thing for the Lord. Their encouragement continues to give me the strength to persevere and to go the extra mile for the families we serve.
