OCTOBER 2016
LEARNING, FAITH & LEADERSHIP A Kennedy Catholic Lancer Publication
COMMUNI-K PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE I remember the day this picture was taken. It was the middle of July, 2001 and my wife Laura and I were on pilgrimage in Rome, Assisi and Medjugorje. Traveling by ourselves meant many mistakes with languages, transportation and restaurant ordering, to mention just a few. Despite the challenges, the takeaway for us was an invitation to grow in holiness. We were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, but more Mike Prato - President importantly, I was discerning leaving teaching and working in human resources. I was presented with a very nice financial package and after 25 years in education, I was ready for a change. The last day in Rome, I found myself journaling in St. Peter’s Square. As I turned to look at a low-flying pigeon, I was staring straight at St. Peter who seemed to be presenting me with an invitation. Fifteen years later, I am the president of an amazing school encountering Jesus every day through my relationships with our staff, our students and you. I almost missed the invitation! What does that encounter look like to you? Bishop Sam Jacobs, in his article Heaven is Calling: Encountering Jesus in Real Time, suggests that “every Christian is called to sanctity and sanctity does not consist especially in doing extraordinary things, but in allowing God to act through these encounters . . . having faith in his action that allows us to live in charity, to do everything with joy and humility, for the glory of God and as service to our neighbor.” As we enter the weeks ahead, expect to encounter Jesus in unexpected and equally ordinary ways. Remember, often it results in a course adjustment.
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