Leadership Award Winners

What makes Catholic schools different? One important function of a Catholic school is to promote Catholic identity. We do this in partnership with parents who are the most influential agents of faith for their children. Robert Kealey, a Catholic educator and author says:

            "The foundation for the Catholic identity of the Catholic school, or really the Catholic identity of any Catholic, comes from the command of Jesus Christ just before he ascended into heaven. Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations (Matthew 29:19). The disciple follows the teaching and example of another and seeks to have others to do the same. The gospels, the Acts of the Apostles and the epistles clearly indicate that followers of Christ are disciples."

            Catholic schools guide and support parents in forming disciples by actively participating in parish life, celebrating the sacraments, knowing and understanding Scripture and Catholic tradition, living as Christ calls us to live, practicing personal and communal prayer, practicing the principles of Catholic Social teaching, and evangelizing, e.g. living the Gospel and proclaiming the Word through our very lives.

            The Catholic identity of the school finds its most important expression in the people who represent and are associated with the school---parents, students, administrators, faculty, staff, and other supporters of the school. We must truly live out our discipleship. The Catholic school is called to be welcoming and hospitable to the rich diversity of people who make up our Catholic communities. Curriculum, atmosphere, and policies all contribute to the Catholic identity of a school. However, if the members of the Catholic school community do not act as disciples, the school's Catholic identity is a sham.

            Growing in discipleship is the work of a lifetime. The formation of disciples is the central goal of the Catholic school. For a young disciple to be brought to a deep understanding of Christ's life and message, teaching, example, challenge and support are all required. Visitation Catholic School's mission statement and philosophy all reflect this central goal. As principal, I want anyone who walks through our door to know immediately that they are entering a Catholic school, even before they see a sign or children in plaid uniforms. I want people to instinctively know that they have entered a Catholic school by our welcome, our atmosphere, and our discipleship.