After Jesus had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Cast out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4
Dear DIA Collaborators,
Welcome to the tenth annual DIA Schools Summit proudly hosted by one of our great Catholic higher ed partners, the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Whether this is your first Summit experience or your tenth, I hope that you will find in the experience abundant opportunities to network and grow with like-minded ministers in Catholic education, all of whom are committed to a courageous call of re-churching our Church through the vehicle of our Catholic schools.
Having been a practitioner in Catholic education for over two decades now, I have yet to experience an event in which there is such a mission-congruent, zealous, and courageous gathering of Catholic school educators. This type of fellowship is now needed more than ever. It includes both spiritual fuel and practical strategies for our critical and increasingly challenging work. The friendships and trust that has grown from this network has only strengthened our mutual ministry and vocational call. In many ways, the friendships formed over the past ten years have been quite special ones, and there is no shortage of inspiring discussions and laughter-filled fellowship.
While some of us have changed roles or schools over the past decade and new members have joined, there is a tight bond and attraction to heed our patron saint’s call of “The New Evangelization.” In today’s increasingly dark world, we need a community of like-minded leaders to answer boldly this call of Christ, to “cast out into the deep,” and to do so with the strength and support of others.
To this end and for our own inspiration, we bestow recognition annually on an ardent supporter of “The New Evangelization” and a mission-advocate of DIA. At this year’s Summit, it is a privilege and honor to bestow DIA’s Luke 5:4 Award to Mrs. Deborah Nearmyer. Deborah is a prominent (but most humble) Catholic educator and leader, currently serving as the Vice President of Faith and Mission at St. James Academy in Lenexa, Kansas. She has been deeply involved in youth ministry and Catholic education for many years. Along with her husband, Deacon Dana Nearmyer, Deborah co-founded Camp Tekakwitha in 1998, a Catholic youth camp that integrates outdoor adventure with spiritual growth. Over the years, the Nearmyers have nurtured this camp into a successful ministry that serves around 1,700 campers each summer.
In addition to her work at St. James Academy and Camp Tekakwitha, Deborah has been actively involved in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, previously holding roles in youth ministry and Confirmation preparation. She has a passion for developing Catholic communities rooted in faith and has contributed significantly to the mission of Catholic schools and programs.
Congratulations to Deborah and the St. James Academy community! May we all continue to support and inspire one another in this mission-critical work of our Church!
Duc in Altum!
Kyle