The 17th year of the Catholic School Leadership Program at
Marymount University in Arlington began July 10 with Mass celebrated by
Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge.
Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Patricia
Helene Earl, program director, said in addition to preparing participants for
an administrative role, they receive an understanding of the history and
mission of Catholic education.
“We try to give them a lot of formation in the faith so that they
can be not only educational leaders but spiritual leaders of the school along
with the pastor,” she said.
During his homily, Bishop Burbidge gave the educators five words
to help them walk through the next two weeks of classes — recall, relax,
rejoice, persevere and pray.
“Recall in your own life when you first had that inclination that
God would be calling you to this beautiful vocation as a Catholic educator and
what it was that excited you about this and the zeal that you felt,” he said.
“Recall that and reclaim it because when we do so, we are always reminded that
what the Lord is asking us to do is not a burden. It is a great privilege.”
The bishop told the educators to relax and be reminded that they
have been situated in a sacred space, to rejoice in the unity represented and
persevere in all the good that they hope to accomplish. He told the educators
to pray.
“We heard a beautiful invitation from Jesus in the (July 9) Gospel
— Come to me all you who labor and who are burdened,” he said. “In the midst of
your coursework, Jesus is repeating that invitation to you.”
There are 34 students divided into two groups from 13 states and
Bermuda that meet for two weeks during the summer and online during the course
of two years. Sister Earl said there are 12 Arlington diocesan educators in the
program this year.
Kyla Hockley, an admissions counselor at Lancaster Catholic High
School in Lancaster, Pa., is beginning her first year in the program. She said
she always had a heart for Catholic education. “I have gone from classroom work
to administration and recognize that there are some gaps in information I
needed to know. I wanted to be well prepared for the future of my career,” she
said. “It is an awesome opportunity to be with Catholic educators from all
across the country and to be with people who are really committed to making
sure Catholic education is around for the long haul.”
Barbara Dalmut, principal of St. Bernadette School in
Springfield, is a professor in the program and also a graduate.
“My class has fabulous candidates and more people who are already
working in administration looking to become principals,” she said. “The program
really shaped the way I approached being a principal.”
In her seventh year as principal, she said learned the importance
of teaching the faith and teaching teachers why they do what they do.
“The church gives us great instruction as to what Catholic
schools are supposed to be accomplishing,” she said. “A lot of times we just go
through the motions but (the program) rekindles that mission and zeal.”
