February 25, 2015
On Tuesday, Carol Lesnak and I attended a Leadership Retreat called “Encounter Jesus: Growing in the Heart and Habits of Discipleship. The facilitator was Rich Harter. Rich serves as the Director of the John Paul II Center for the New Evangelization. The day was a true “retreat” and allowed us, as leaders, to reflect on the call to “Encounter Jesus-Grow Disciples-Proclaim Christ-To Make New Disciples. Two of the statements made by Rich that are applicable to us as a school were the following:
• Catholic is not a label-it is a lifestyle!
• The word “Catholic” attached to a school-All Saints Catholic School- isn’t an adjective or descriptor but rather it is a direction! That truly resonated with me as I do believe that the Catholic part of us does serve as a lifestyle and a direction. Our Catholicity guides all of our decisions and directs our path.
He noted for us two Mission Statements: Jesus’ and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s which left me looking at our mission statement in light of the idea that Catholic is a way of life!
Jesus’ Mission Statement: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Archdiocesan Mission Statement: To proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through his saving death and resurrection by calling, forming and sending disciples to go and make new disciples. As a people, we are called to encounter Jesus and grow as disciples through the sacramental life of the Church.
All Saints Catholic School Mission Statement: Together we will, teach children to see the world through the eyes of Christ and to model the lives of the Saints in a rigorous academic environment. Thank you for the many ways you bless our school community! Now we as a community can join with our West family to share the Good News of ASCS. I would like to host a Q & A session for those interested in learning more about the expansion. I will work with the internal team to get a date scheduled.
This Thursday, I am heading to the “north woods” to witness my son take his girlfriend of six years to by his wife. Please hold both Danny and Heather in prayer. My heart is full of JOY.
Blessings,
Dr. Jackie Lichter
