The Office of Catholic Education hosted 135 pastors, principals and business managers from across the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland on Nov. 2 for the annual Bishop’s Luncheon. The event took place at St. Demetrios Cultural Center in Rocky River.
Frank O’Linn, superintendent of schools, welcomed attendees and began by noting that this meeting, and the focus for the academic year, were inspired by St. Pier Giorgio Frassati’s motto of verso l'alto or to the heights.
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“To the heights is first and foremost a call to holiness, challenging ourselves to be Christ-like in our vocation. But also, our emphasis here — for our organizations that exist to sanctify and evangelize — is on continuous improvement. As St. Pier Giorgio Frassati’s Prayer for Courage reminds us, we want to always ‘aspire to greatness’ while working faithfully toward our ultimate educational purpose of forming saints,” O’Linn said.
Bishop Edward Malesic called attention to current enrollment milestones and encouraged all to continue in their good and selfless work to strengthen the system of Catholic schools in the diocese.
“For the fifth consecutive year, there are more students taking part in Catholic education … a sign of vitality and faith. Families are choosing Catholic education because they believe in what we offer: excellence in learning, formation in faith and a community that cares for the whole child. A learning environment that reminds children who they are and whose they are,” the bishop said.
“There is great momentum right now — a real sense of renewal — but we know the work is not finished. We are improving how we operate so that this renewal can be sustained and expanded. Today is about strengthening the collaboration among us, and among you — pastors, principals, and business managers — so that together, we can continue building thriving, faith-filled Catholic schools.”
The luncheon included table discussion about successful school leadership, and a whole group exercise facilitated by Assistant Superintendent McKenna Corrigan to help attendees better understand their effective leadership styles.
Father John Betters, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish and the bishop’s liaison for the Keeping the Faith Strategic Plan for Catholic Elementary Education, concluded the gathering with an update on soon-to-be-released school operational guidance. This document will be of particular use as parishes and schools continue to implement best practices in strategic budgeting and financial management.