ACE Retreat Welcomes 17 Superintendents to Campus

Superintendents from 17 (arch)dioceses gathered over three days earlier this month for the Alliance for Catholic Education’s first superintendent retreat. Led by Sr. Kathleen Carr, CSJ, ACE’s senior director of partnerships, the group shared time together reflecting on their unique roles in Catholic schools.

Drawing on the work of a planning group of superintendents the previous summer, the retreat included talks by leaders such as Carr, the former superintendent of schools in the Archdiocese of Boston, Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC, and Fr. Joe Corpora, CSC. The superintendents also took part in individual and group reflections designed to build community among a group of leaders who often face similar challenges.

“Our vocation as superintendents is so busy that, for me, I had forgotten what it meant to truly ‘unplug’ and reconnect with our loving God in a much deeper way than I am able to do in my daily prayer life. This retreat was truly a gift in that we not only had much-needed time with our Lord, but we also bonded as a group of colleagues who, I believe, will remain in touch and in prayerful support of each other.”

Sheri Dahl, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Tucson

 “The retreat was just what I needed at just the right time. The opportunity to gather together in prayer and reflection with other Catholic superintendents for a religious retreat was a blessing, and it was the first time I have ever seen an opportunity for this purpose.”

Dave Faber, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Grand Rapids

“The retreat was not something I realized I so desperately needed until I was in the midst of it. We tell those we lead in schools all the time, you cannot give what you do not have. Rarely as superintendents do we have the opportunity to restore ourselves so that we can continue to give. The retreat provided that opportunity and so much more.”

Diane Floyd, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

“I was amazed at how quickly God used the short time together to bring me back to a place of focus and purpose. It was a perfect mix of guided reflection, personal time, and coming together as community. I arrived on Tuesday evening burned out and questioning whether or not I was making a difference. By Thursday morning, I was reconnected with my mission and ready to carry on this critical work.”

Jim Gallagher, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Erie 

"The retreat was a great time to re-center our personal and professional lives around being leaders with hope: hope in the many positive aspects of our daily lives in schools and with principals, teachers, students, and parents. I left feeling renewed!"

Gary Gelo, Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Palm Beach

“I found the retreat to be enormously renewing. To be a superintendent is to work in an environment of stress, politics, and constant change. It is vital that we take time to renew ourselves spiritually, and connect to our original calling to leadership in Catholic education.”

Jim Rigg, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Chicago

"The retreat for Catholic school superintendents was exactly what we needed, when we needed it. The opportunity for fellowship, prayerful reflection, and spiritual walks allowed the Holy Spirit to move each of us deeply. The spiritual nourishment from this experience was truly inspiring.”

Brooke C. Tesché, Chancellor for Catholic Education, Diocese of Allentown

“This retreat gave me the opportunity to rekindle the fire and passion I have for doing God’s work. It reinforced the need to trust in Jesus and how important joy is in the effectiveness of our ministry as superintendents. We were reminded through quiet contemplation, relaxation, and prayer what it truly means to be ‘Fishers of Men’ and to take ownership in who God is calling us to be.”

Haidee Todora, Director of Rochester Catholic Schools, Diocese of Winona