The District’s Discerning Leaders in Napa. (Photo courtesy Br. James Joost, FSC)
On April 19, 2015, the third cohort of the District’s Discerning Leaders program – 17 educators from across the District and beyond – gathered for their capstone session at Mont La Salle in Napa, CA.
The three day-session blended presentations, discussion, prayer and reflection, all leading to a moment where participants had the opportunity to express a sense of where God is guiding them.
The participants engaged in a discussion of Good to Great and the Social Sectors by Jim Collins, explored the results of their “Strengths Finder”, conversed with three Discerning Leader graduates now in leadership positions, considered written advice from the District’s chief administrators, discussed their shadow experiences, spent time in quiet prayer, and even had time for sharing delicious meals and a fun-filled field trip.
On the morning of the last day, presenter Brother Mark Murphy returned the participants to the ground of our Lasallian view of leadership, namely, that leadership roles, like all Lasallian ministerial roles, are effective only if God’s Spirit has enabled us.
The clearest insights into the impact of the Discerning Leaders Program come from the Discerning Leaders themselves. When asked to express an insight gained from the program, several Discerning Leaders offered these thoughts:
“The greatest insight that I gained from being a part of the Discerning Leaders program is that through the visitation of numerous Lasallian schools throughout the district, one can see firsthand the mission in action. From Portland to New Orleans we met students, teachers, administrators and partners of all kinds putting the charism of St. La Salle to work. The beautiful part is seeing how this same mission is lived through the God given blessings uniquely endowed to each school community. It is an honor to be a part of this great Lasallian tapestry of grace unified in mission and so diversely lived. The experience of the Discerning Leaders program reaffirms my commitment to Catholic Lasallian Education and I pray in awe and wonder of where this vocation will lead me next.”
Gary Hortsch
Director of Faith
La Salle Catholic College Preparatory, Milwaukie, OR
“This is something Br. Robert Wickman said to us, ‘As a leader, don’t be spontaneous about what you say and write – everyone is watching!’”
Wendy Ruiz
Dean of Students
Cathedral High School, Los Angeles, CA
“The Discerning Leaders program provided an honest and accurate picture of the role of a chief administrator to best assist participants in the discernment process. I gained insight to all aspects of the positions, the many details and nuances, the opportunities, and the challenges. It was a wonderful experience of seeing the diversity of ministry in our Lasallian network.”
Alisa Macksey
Programs Director
Christian Brothers Conference, Washington, D.C.
“This program did exactly as advertised: help me discern a vocation in educational leadership, understand what kind of leader I could be, and then be confident in seeking out that work. And beyond that, the camaraderie of so many talented Lasallians really gave me a sense of shared mission and belonging to a much larger team. I’m grateful that District leadership puts so much energy into this program, because the result is incredible. Thank you!”
Lincoln Snyder
Executive Director of Catholic Schools (newly appointed)
Diocese of Sacramento, CA
“The discerning leaders program has provided valuable insight into everyday operations, challenges, and successes of our frontline administrators. The overwhelming feeling that our Founder’s mission is being lived out effectively and creatively, in all corners of our district, is pervasive. The mission is thriving in the caring hands of the presidents and principals- and the future is bright.”
Joe Welling
Director of Student Life
Mullen High School, Denver, CO
“The Discerning Leaders program was arguably the best professional development program I’ve ever had. Over the course of two years I developed strong professional and personal relationships across the country, was able to visit and experience 9 different Lasallian schools, and better understand and live out the Lasallian tradition and history. Lastly, and most importantly the program prepared me to take the next step professionally and spiritually, and guided me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I highly recommend the program to anybody that has the slightest inkling that the world of Lasallian Education is more than just a job and is possibly a vocation.”
Taylor Gantt
President
Saint Michael’s High School, Santa Fe, NM
“There have been many, many, brothers, Lasallian leaders, administrators, teachers, and staff that I have learned from and continue to learn from…The Discerning Leaders Program reinforced my Lasallian heritage even more and has guided me into a new journey within the “CB” family. I thank you for all the time and effort that you and your “team” put into creating this program. The vision and desire to continuously build on the talent that already exists in this District is absolutely awesome.”
David Desmond
Assistant Principal
Christian Brothers High School, Sacramento, CA
“The Discerning Leaders program helped me to understand the significance of the president and principal roles in a Lasallian school. The program provided a first-hand look into how I may one day fit into an administrative role.”
Lee Pierre
Science Department Chair/Football Coach
Saint Paul’s School, Covington, LA
“The greatest take away for me is the lesson the Founder learned early on…. It’s not about one person, but a group of people dedicated to mission working together. This was reiterated over and over as the positional leaders of Principal and President reflected on the importance of team work in their work and care of mission.”
Heather Ruple
Director, Young Lasallians
San Francisco New Orleans District
“Throughout the entire program, school visit after school visit, and leader after leader, there was a resonating tone of balance- the balance required to remain mission centered, to effectively run a large business, and to maintain homeostasis with family, personal interests and spirituality.”
Al Nastasi
Development Director/Head Track Coach
Saint Paul’s School, Covington, LA
Contributed by Charles Legendre, AFSC, Director, Office of Education-Covington.
