“Duc in altum! These words ring out for us today, and they invite us to remember the past with gratitude, to live the present with enthusiasm and to look forward to the future with Confidence: ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’ (Heb 13:8).” (Novo Millennio Ineunte 1)
Pope John Paul II was a foundational inspiration behind the founding of the Duc In Altum Schools Collaborative as he was a profound and living witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. John Paul reminds the entire Church of the primacy of a living relationship with Jesus Christ. He also encouraged Catholic Schools to live their mission and realize that it is fundamentally tied up with the Mission of the Church as a whole.
John Paul emphasized the importance of the formation of the whole person with his pillars of formation: Human, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Pastoral. Catholic schools then are invited to facilitate the formation of all of their students, faculty, and staff. In a particular way, DIA has sought to help Catholic schools to do this, especially emphasizing the frequently neglected Spiritual formation of the students, faculty, and staff.
As we celebrate St. John Paul II’s feast day this month, let us remember that the Lord invites us to put out into the Deep. To trust in him with all our hearts. Remembering that if we are faithful to his mission he will give us the grace that we need to do his work.
Fr. Paul Kostka:
Servants of Christ Jesus and
DIA Schools Collaborative Chaplain