Father John Betters, Bishop Edward Malesic’s liaison to the Keeping the Faith initiative, offers an update (see video above) on the group’s work as it moves toward offering a strategic plan for the future of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Cleveland. He also serves as pastor of SS. Robert and William and St. John of the Cross parishes in Euclid.
In his role with KTF, Father Betters said he is honored and privileged to work with parishes and pastors as this process unfolds.
Bishop Malesic launched the initiative during Catholic Schools Week in 2021. The diverse task force consists of more than 60 people representing various constituencies in the diocese, including diocesan Catholic school administrators, member of the bishop’s staff, clergy, principals and others.
They are charged with developing a plan to keep Catholic schools in the diocese:
- Grounded in their Catholic faith.
- Academically excellent.
- As widely available and affordable as possible.
In March, two retired school administrators – Jim Connell and Dennis Kowalski – joined the initiative. Both men are devout Catholics and had long careers as professional educators and superintendents in large, suburban school districts. They have been working with the task force’s committees to finalize change ideas in seven areas:
- Catholic identity
- Academic excellence
- Leadership and talent
- Data systems
- Finances
- Governance and marketing
- Communications
Their suggestions were presented to priests, principals, parents, parishioners, diocesan staff and the community at-large for additional feedback. After reviewing the feedback, revisions were made to the change ideas.
Father Betters said the task force hopes to finish the process in August and to present the bishop with a report this fall. He will review, consult and make any other needed changes and is expected to announce his plan later this academic year.
Father Betters said the task force would engage some schools and parishes in data collection and to pilot some of the goals. He anticipates the plan will take five to seven years to implement with a goal of transforming the school culture to embrace:
- A system with common goals … leveraging talent and sharing resources.
- Schools that are supported by all parishes with a common vision and mission.
- Schools that are aligned with the pope’s call to missionary discipleship.
- Schools that are academically excellent and prepare young people for the realities of everyday life.
“There is so much that we do well. We have a solid foundation to build upon,” Father Betters said.
“May God continue to shower his blessings upon our beloved Catholic schools and parishes. Be assured that the task force creating this plan lifts all our stakeholders up in our prayers as we do this work,” he added.
For more information on the Keeping the Faith initiative, click here.