From the Director: Why the Word "Movement" Matters

Dear Friends,

Happy Easter!  I pray that you are enjoying this beautiful season of grace! 

As ACE Advocates, we are “building a movement in service to Catholic schools.”  Those are familiar words to you by now. But what does it mean to “build a movement”?  How is our movement different than a group of Notre Dame football fans, or supporters of a political figure?

Much more than a group of like-minded people or a set of programs, movements are--like the word indicates--about energy and activity. They channel hearts and minds toward a visionary goal.  It’s impossible to put clear borders around a movement because it relies on the faith, creativity, talent, and tenacity of its members. And in our case, the power of the Holy Spirit.

The world and its needs change, but movements have been present for all of history.  Our Church began when Jesus invited his disciples to, “Come and see.”  The Civil Rights Movement was borne out of the conviction that all men and women deserved basic rights, and was fueled by a prophetic dream.  Current headlines are filled with examples of movements for freedom sweeping across the Middle East.

In 1998, after visiting Notre Dame for the annual Missioning Mass, Cardinal John O’Connor of New York challenged ACE to think of itself as more than a set of programs, but as an “apostolic movement in service to Catholic schools.”  In issuing this challenge, O’Connor was recognizing both the work of the Holy Spirit and the desperate need present in the world and in the Church for faith-filled, prayerful, industrious champions of Catholic schools.  And the need for our movement has never been greater than it is today.

Animated by a commitment to prayer, community, and service, we serve as leaven in and for Catholic schools.  It was the Holy Spirit that called us together, and the same Holy Spirit impels us forward.  Thank you for being a part of our movement in service to Catholic schools!

Warmly,
Chuck Lamphier


PS – We hope to see you this summer!  Join us for the Summer Forum on Expanding Access to Catholic Schools or the Catholic School Advantage Campaign Training.