"At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit" (Luke 10:1).
As I listened to the proclamation of the Gospel during Mass last weekend, this idea of being sent in pairs resonated deeply with me and our collective ministries in Catholic education.
We have been sent out with others - leaders, staff, faculty, board members, diocesan personnel - to carry out the mission of our great schools.
We have advancement directors, assistant principals, finance directors, athletic directors, campus ministers, and admissions directors to partner with us in the areas of philanthropy, academics, finances, athletics, faith and enrollment management. You have board chairs and department heads and facilities managers and countless other partners in mission.
We also have diocesan and network supporters, superintendents and other representatives with specialties like curriculum, evangelization, human resources, finance, legal, facilities, and communications.
Even in those moments when we feel isolated, the Holy Spirit - the Paraclete - advocates for us and helps and comforts us. In Greek, Paraclete means "called alongside".
We do not go alone.
In fact, we can't. Going alone may enable us to go fast...for a short time. But, going far requires us to go together.
As we continue our summer preparations in order to be excellent during the upcoming school year, think of ways in which you can partner up to do the work with which you have been entrusted. Invite others into the various rooms where it - carrying out the mission of our schools - happens.
And as you collaborate with others, explicitly invoke the Holy Spirit and/or call upon God the Father or Jesus Christ; ask for the saints - especially the Mother Mary and patrons of our schools - to intercede for us in these supernatural efforts.
You do not go alone.
The Lord is with you.
And so are all of the other people inspired by the Holy Spirit to take part in Catholic education.
These are your partners in mission.
