Welcoming New Principals
and
Deputy Principals
“You can rely on God who has called you
to be
partners with his son,
Jesus Christ”.
1 Cor. 1:9
Opening Prayer
We gather this morning to prayerfully begin, not only the work of
this day, but also our new roles of responsibility as Christian
leaders in CEIST schools.
We thank God for the gift of life; for His drawing us here; for the
new challenges with which we are entrusted.
We acknowledge God’s presence round and about us; with us and
in us; and we take a moment to become aware of that presence - in
ourselves; in each other; and in this place.
CEIST
“Catholic education invites people to become Christ-like in their
lives so that the Reign of God might continue to dawn in our
world”
CEIST Charter
Today, while considering the practical aspects of undertaking
leadership roles in our schools, we will be particularly exploring
the responsibilities and challenges of becoming the spiritual
leaders of Catholic schools, of communities of faith.
Readings.
Faith the Foundation
In a climate of growing secularism, Catholic schools are
distinguished by faith in the transcendent mystery of God as the
source of all that exists and as the meaning of human existence.
This faith is not simply the subject-matter of particular lessons but
forms the foundation of all that we do and the horizon of all that
takes place in the school.
Vision ’08.
A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John
Jesus … got up from the table, removed his outer
garments and taking a towel, wrapped it round his
waist; he then poured water into a basin and began to
wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the
towel he was wearing …
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments again
he went back to the table. “Do you understand” he said “what I
have done to you? You call me master and Lord and rightly; so I
am. If I then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you
must wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that
you may copy what I have done to you. In all truth I tell you, no
servant is greater than his master, no messenger is greater than the
one who sent him. Now that you know this, blessed are you if you
behave accordingly”.
(Jn 13: 3-5; 12-17)
Let us pray:
1. Heavenly Father, we thank you for calling us to
the work of leadership in our schools and pray that
you will give us the courage to fearlessly soar across
the paths of many with the message of your love, to
serve our school communities faithfully, and to
always walk in a manner worthy of the God who
calls us to this important role. Lord hear us.
2. We ask you to give us words filled with grace so that we may
know how to respond to the broken-hearted student, to a rebellious
teen, a concerned parent, a discouraged teacher. Lord hear us.
3. We pray that fear of criticism may never stop us from doing
what is right and ask You to fill us with your strength to keep
going no matter what... that the paperwork will never become too
heavy and that we may always be full of joy and always thankful.
Lord hear us …
4. When we need it, Lord, send someone to cross our paths to say a
cheery "good morning..." that really means: "I'm glad you're here!"
Lord hear us.
We pray together: Ar nAthair …
God, our Father, send a hand with a loving touch; a hand that
understands for it was pierced. Send that hand that hugged small
children, taught the wise and calmed the sea. Father, send us the
loving hand of Your Son, Jesus Christ and fill us with the wisdom
of your Holy Spirit. We make this, and all our prayers through
Christ Our Lord. Amen.
(Adapted from an unknown author)
“Our attention and focus will be trained on recognizing the God of
surprises hiding and playing at the heart of life”.
Daniel O’Leary
