The Founders Forum is Another Valuable DIA Full Member Benefit
At the February 26, 2021, Founders Forum, several DIA member school leaders plus the DIA Board members shared collective wisdom and resources to discern a prudent path forward for Catholic schools today. Some met in a small group, in person, at St. Cecilia Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, while others joined virtually.
Several participants submitted discussion topics in advance. To maximize the short time they were together, the topics and the group were divided into breakouts, to brainstorm ways to address the common challenges on Catholic school campuses. They discussed six compelling topics:
- Best practices for increasing weekend Mass attendance among high school students.
- Best practices for integrating Catholic beliefs, history, traditions, or values across the curriculum
- Ideas on partnering with parents as the primary educators while also forming parents in the faith.
- Recommendations for a program that helps support students with positive mental health.
- How do we understand, love, and respect sex-and-gender-confused kids in our midst without compromising truth?
- How do we compellingly situate the fact that black lives matter, pedagogically and curricularly, into a framework of Christian anthropology?
Then the full group reconvened to share their recommendations and experiences. The consensus was that these issues are common across Catholic school campuses today. As the DIA Schools Summit plans unfold, nearly all of these topics are likely to appear on the agenda so experts can impart advice and school leaders, teachers and campus ministers can share resources and their experiences in addressing these important issues.
To conclude, Board Chairman Rich Meyer extended gratitude for the participants and especially new Full members of DIA for the affirming and inspiring conversations. He reminded participants that although it is sometimes difficult to lead schools today, the reward is knowing that their service is for the good of the Church, and efforts today will impact generations of Catholics after us.
DIA Membership
Our roster is growing! We’re excited to welcome schools and dioceses from Michigan, Louisiana, North Carolina, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, California, Missouri, Illinois, Maine, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, and beyond!
For just two more weeks, DIA Full Membership is prorated for the last half of the year, just $500. To apply, complete this form.
Current members are reminded to put their membership renewal in the 2021-2022 budget! Memberships will be billed September 1.
