Balanced Purpose

I believe that striving for work-life balance constitutes an impossible pursuit. 

While I would like for these parts of my life to balance, I know that the amount of time required of me for my work consumes most of my awake hours throughout the day, leaving little time for life. This imbalance might become even more skewed depending on the day, week, month (thankfully, February is the shortest one!), or even year. 

Conversely, there are seasons of life that necessitate more time and effort away from work. From illnesses, to catching up on sleep, to joyous events - births/birthdays, weddings, graduations, sacraments, trips - to injuries, accidents, and even deaths, life can demand that we orient ourselves away work and toward our health, our families, and our lives.    

As such, we must remember, "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens" (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Instead of striving for balance, we would do well to pursue purpose.

Why spend so much time and energy at work? 

Why is it important for us to make time for faith, family, and friends? 

What is the purpose behind these and other worthwhile endeavors?

How can we prioritize and organize our time and resources so that these purposes are fulfilled? Rather than attempt and fail at having the scales tip toward even, can we put first things first and fill our days accordingly? 

If my faith stands as the most important part of my life, what must I do to ensure that I treat it as such? 

Similarly, if my family clocks in at a close second, how can I block off time and resources to prove it? 

Using my God-given gifts and talents to build the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven, a task that also provides for me and my family, requires focus and fidelity. In order to do my best, I need to get enough sleep and execute other healthy habits of living. I also need to remain diligent in my duties - meeting deadlines, following through on commitments, and delivering on the details of my job description. 

As I try to make consistent deposits into each of these domains of my life, not in equal amounts but in purposeful dosages, I must cling to and clarify the underlying convictions in each of these areas. 

As a disciple of Jesus, I need to spend time each day with my Teacher, listening to and reflecting on His Word, talking with Him through personal prayer, and receiving His grace through frequent reception of the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. If I fail to do these things, I will also fail to grow in discipleship. 

As a husband and father and son and brother, I must recognize that my marriage and my children act as my primary pathways to heaven. Moving beyond presence, I need to connect and meaningfully engage with my wife and my children each day. And, if I'm to successfully pass on the message that family is important, I should do likewise with my mom, siblings, extended family, and in-laws. 

As an educator-minister, I trust that my work helps Catholic schools to become more accessible and excellent so that the world can flourish. From helping schools become more irresistibly Catholic, to pushing them to become more academically excellent, to managing them to become more financially responsible, to inspiring them to be more strategically vital, I know that our work is: 

to form men and women who will be ready to take their place in society, preparing them in such a way that they will make the kind of social commitment which will enable them to work for the improvement of social structures, making these structures more conformed to the principles of the Gospel. Thus, (Catholic educators) will form human beings who will make human society more peaceful, fraternal, and communitarian. (Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education, 1982, para. 19)

All of this requires a baseline level of health and fitness. Watching what I consume - orally, visually, audibly, recognizing that muti-tasking (like work-life balance) is a myth, moving my body to sharpen my brain, resting, and recreating are all important considerations in order for me to be the best disciple of Jesus, husband of my wife, father of my children, and minister in the Office of Catholic Education that I can be. 

As we strive to be authentically human, let us strive for balanced purpose instead of balance. 

Instead of working to live or living to work, let us work hard at being purposeful so that we might come to fulness of life.

Servants of Christ, Stewards of the Mysteries of God

Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God.

-Romans 13:1

I'm grateful for the celebration of Presidents' Day and the day off that it affords for many - though not all - of Americans. And, I'm taking advantage of the day to pray for the leaders of our country, that they would lead in ways that promote peace, justice, and charity.

Similarly, this day provides a chance to pray for leaders in all capacities that we would also lead in ways that honor our God - building the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

But, ever since coming across a reflection about leadership in 2021 in which I learned that Jesus never asked anyone to lead, I've reimagined my approach to leadership.

Simply, I've tried to serve instead of focusing on leading. In moments where I feel that my ministry runs into roadblocks, I ask myself how can I better serve God and those around me. I recognize that any leadership position or responsibility that I have has been entrusted to me by God. Instead of being in charge, I'm a steward, meant to faithfully use the gifts and resources given to me in ways that leave this part of the vineyard in which I work better when I leave it.

As we imitate Jesus Christ in all things, our leadership roles should be used to point others to Him. Our leadership should encourage others to follow Him. Rooted in service, our ministries as leaders should focus on doing the most good for the most people within our communities.

In other words, our leadership should stem from an orientation of service, laying ourselves down for the good of others. Like St. Paul told the Corinthians, "Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1).

The Curiosity of Wonder

 In yesterday's Gospel, Jesus reprimands the Pharisees (and us):

"Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition...You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things." (Mark 7:6-8, 13)

As I read through these words, this message convicted me. How often do I follow my own interpretation of Jesus's teachings, clinging to my ways, and my routines, my practices - my traditions? In what ways do I nullify the Word of God - Jesus - through my stubbornness and pride, honoring Him with my lips but denying Him by my lifestyle?

No one of us has fully realized the truth of all things. As seekers, we see in part, we wander, we misinterpret, we stumble, we fail.

We hold fast to the fences in our lives, without even knowing the purpose(s) for which they were built (G.K. Chesterton). 

Instead of being curious, we approach the world judgmentally (Ted Lasso).   

Instead of imitating Christ, we idolize and brandish our names, images, and likenesses. 

What if today, we approached the world with wonder? What if we asked more questions than we answered, humbly recognizing and accepting our limitless limitations? What if we acknowledged that despite the number of truths we've attained, many more stand beyond our capacities, allowing us to join with others on this never-ending pursuit?

Ask why the fence was built in the first place. 

Invite others to "say more" allowing you (and them) to journey on this search for truth. 

Be curious - why do you feel that way, tell me more, what are you talking about, what sorts of things, how does this work, what am I not seeing, how else might we do this, what are you looking for?

And as we do this, with the curiosity of wonder, may we listen to and follow the words of Christ, "Come, and you will see" (John 1:39).     

Catholic Schools Week, Part 3

The Difference

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."

-Matthew 5:14-16

Dr. Steve Cheeseman, President of the National Catholic Educators Association (NCEA), visited the Diocese of Cleveland last week as a part of his Bright Lights Tour, starting his day as the keynote speaker at St. Ambrose Catholic School's Community Appreciation Breakfast.

His main point: Catholic schools make THE difference.

He doubled down on acknowledging that Catholic schools don't just make A difference, as if the impact our schools have compares to factors like nutrition, sleep, socio-economic status, or parental education levels.

Instead, Dr. Cheeseman reinforced the claim that Catholic schools make THE difference.

He noted that research validates this argument. Catholic school students scored higher than public and other private school peers on the NAEP, STAR, and iReady assessments, regardless of demographics.

Catholic school students were 27% less likely to report depression while also displaying fewer signs of depression than their peers from other educational institutions. Dr. Cheeseman acknowledged that part of the reason for this stemmed from Catholic school students reporting a higher number of caring adults in their lives than non-Catholic school peer groups.

As one more indicator of THE difference made by Catholic schools, Dr. Cheeseman noted that students who attended a Catholic elementary school were 29% more likely to attend Mass as adults than peers who did not go to a Catholic elementary school. Students who attend Catholic elementary and high school have a 34% higher likelihood of attending Mass regularly as adults than those who did not have the blessing of attending K-12 Catholic schools.

Furthermore, students from Catholic schools demonstrate higher percentages of considering and entering the priesthood or religious life.

In the end, Dr. Cheeseman, in describing the charism of Catholic schools, recognized that Jesus Christ stands as the common Core across all Catholic schools, where we believe - like Jesus does - that every student is made in the image and likeness of God. Using our Catholic faith as the marinade for the Catholic education offered at our schools, Catholic schools make THE difference in our world not replicated by any other group, program, or approach.

The light of our Catholic schools is bright. In the words of Lance Izumi, "While the education landscape in America is darkened with so much bad news, there is a bright spot when it comes to student achievement—the nation’s Catholic schools."

Don't hide this under a bushel basket. Set this truth high upon the hills of our schools so that the bright lights of our Catholic schools will shine before others, giving glory to God.

Catholic schools, let your lights shine. 

Let it shine. 

Let it shine.

Let it shine!

Catholic Schools Week 2026 - Part 2

In a prayer often misattributed to Archbishop Oscar Romero (actually penned by Bishop Ken Untener), one line in particular resonates with me and the work that God has called us to do as Catholic school leaders: 

"No statement says all that could be said."

The work of Catholic school leadership takes multiple iterations and constant reinforcement. As leaders, we should create clarity, overcommunicate clarity, and reinforce clarity. 

In this way, we recognize that our ministries consist of a series of reminders, follow-ups, reiterations, and repetitions. In this spirit, my previous post about the line-up of saints whose feasts we celebrate this week, failed to recognize a giant within the landscape of Catholic education whose feast we celebrate today: St. Angela Merici. 

No statement says all that could be said. 

And while even this message will leave something out and be incomplete, God calls us to say it anyway.

St. Angela Merici, founder of the Ursuline sisters, reminds us in this week dedicated to celebrating Catholic Schools of the enormous contribution of religious women in establishing, developing, and sustaining Catholic education in our country and across the world.

From St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, to St. Frances Cabrini, to St. Katharine Drexel, to St. Julie Billiart and beyond, religious women played a large part in creating the network of Catholic schools in America. At first, this started as the preservation of faith and culture while educating students to find success in our young country. This ministry of Catholic education has since evolved into serving and evangelizing students from all background while maintaining high standards of academic excellence.

Today, let us honor this amazing legacy of religious women, and find inspiration of the words of St. Angela Merici: 

“Act, move, believe, strive, hope, cry out to God with all your heart, for without doubt you will see marvelous things, if you direct everything to the praise and glory of God's majesty and the good of souls.”

Keep directing all that you do toward the mission of Catholic education and to God's glory.

Happy Catholic Schools Week 2026. 

St. Angela Merici, pray for us!

Catholic Schools Week 2026

As our country manages cold and snow and in doing so rearrange Catholic Schools Week activities, our Church celebrates four feast days that speak to the heart of our collective mission: 

• 1/25 - The Conversion of St. Paul
• 1/26 - Saints Timothy and Titus
• 1/28 - St. Thomas Aquinas
• 1/31 - St. John Bosco

First, St. Paul's conversion stands as the type of transformation possible within our schools - metanoia. Going beyond the mind that we have, Catholic education provides a set of lenses to students through which they view the world - the inherent dignity of all people, the sacramentality of every moment, the power of relationships, the call on their lives to make the world more loving, peaceful, and just. 

Second, Saints Timothy and Titus remind us of the important relationship between and among teachers, students, and families. In St. Paul's second letter to St. Timothy, Paul reminds his student of the gift of faith he has received from his grandmother Lois (think baptism) and through the imposition of Paul's hands (confirmation) along with Timothy's own responsibility to "stir into flame" this gift lest it dim and flicker out. This partnership between the home and school along with the active engagement of students can allow them to claim the "spirit of power and love and self-control" (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012626.cfm).

Third, St. Thomas Aquinas, remains one of the greatest scholars of all time. The patron saint of students, scholars, teachers, and Catholic schools, colleges, and universities, St. Thomas Aquinas can show the relationship between faith and reason while also bringing together science and religion. He profoundly demonstrates the attractive and convicting power of truth in both intellectual and spiritual ways, baptizing the work of Greek and Roman philosophers and helping to elucidate the tenants of our faith. 

Fourth and finally, St. John Bosco, the friend of the young and those impacted by poverty, inspires our work in contemporary and relevant ways. The founder of the Salesian order and network of schools across the world, the charism of this Catholic school educator focused on loving what students love so they will love what - and more importantly Who - we love as teachers. His Preventative System of reason, religion and loving kindness encourages educators to see students as disciples in need of formation instead of pupils in need of correction. In other words, to see our students as Christ does. 

May the interruptions of Catholic Schools Week 2026 - inconvenient for sure - allow us to extend the celebration of what makes our schools unique and wonderful beyond one week and a handful of activities into every facet of our ministries. 

Sts. Paul, Timothy, Titus, Thomas Aquinas, and John Bosco, pray for us!!!

On Purpose

"Rising very early before dawn, Jesus left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, 'Everyone is looking for you.'

Jesus told them, 'Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.' So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee."

-Mark 1:35-39

At times, we can do things without purpose. This isn't to say that what we're doing isn't worthwhile. Instead, because of the busyness of our roles, we can fall into the trap of doing tasks just to get them done. We can drift into auto-pilot to enhance our efficiency. We can hurry from one thing to another to another - and do these things really well - but without intentionality.

This can lead to the urgent infringing upon - and supplanting - the sacredness of the important.

Let's reclaim the purpose(s) for which we have been called to our various roles.

The new calendar year along with the new semester afford us with opportunities to reorient ourselves and our communities to these core purposes of our Catholic leadership positions and our schools.

As you consider your schedule and its many demands, put the big things in first. Short of an emergency - which you should define and clarify for yourselves and your community - note those big items you will hold sacred. These might include time for prayer, classroom observations and/or meeting with teachers, meetings with your leadership team(s), cultivation/stewardship activities, preparing a presentation for an event, and time with students and families.

Periodically put your to-do lists through the following rubric:

• Do
• Delegate
• Dump
• You could also add a fourth category, delay, though it should be used sparingly lest it become the default category.

Audit your and your school's practices for alignment to the mission, beliefs, values/pillars/charisms. What activities, programs, events, and tasks have veered away from these foundational parts of our schools? What aspects need some tightening through reminders, renewed administrative presence, and/or a (re)declaration of the purpose of these behaviors? What needs adjusted so that it can remain? What should you remove altogether because it no longer advances the mission of the school, doesn't align with the school's beliefs, and/or fails to stem from or make manifest the school's values/pillars/charisms?

Consider the profile of a Catholic school leader in the Diocese of Cleveland and focus on embodying and employing these traits: missionary, visionary, strategic, collaborative, analytical, professional. Purposefully think of ways in which each of these traits can apply to your leadership actions - how can you point people back to the mission, how can you inspire them and provide a sense of hope, how can you devise a solid plan, how can you include others, how can you analyze what's been done, how can you use it as a chance to model and elevate excellence?

Like Jesus, who reminded His disciples about His purpose, let us explicitly state and remind others why we do the things we do.

Finally, as we strive to lead and live on purpose, recognize that Jesus created you on purpose. Through our baptisms, He has set you apart and called you to this leadership role at this time in your respective schools on purpose. As we view our purposes through this lens of faith, we should consider this purpose holy - set apart by God for His purpose.

On purpose. For God.