Feast of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
January 4, 2021
Dear Collaborators,
When I drafted this memo, Advent had just begun. As my oldest child lit the first purple candle on our family Advent wreath–a candle that symbolizes hope–a sense of relief and awe came over me. 2020 was indeed a year like no other. I felt relief in knowing that we have such liturgical seasons like Advent (and Lent) to focus our hearts and minds on what truly matters. Elections, pandemics, hurricanes–while not to be diminished–do pale in comparison to the awe-inspiring birth (and resurrection) of our Savior. If we keep Christ at the center, as our compass point, we will know true peace and lasting joy.
Nevertheless, we certainly could not ignore the secular distractions that 2020 brought. We do live day-to-day in this world and not giving heed to such challenges would be imprudent. Our schools to varying degrees had to manage around and through such challenging situations this past year and will continue to do so in the months and years ahead. As I reflected on 2020, I am grateful for the collection of schools and collaborators that DIA is bringing together. There is strength in solidarity and friendship, and that is what DIA aspires to provide so that we can remain focused on what truly matters in the mission of our schools: the Faith.
This past fall, we at DIA had been planning for new ways to further our mission. We are excited to launch a monthly podcast called Follow To Lead. Fr. Randy Sly, president of St. Michael the Archangel School, and I will co-host a monthly episode featuring lay and religious women and men who have inspiring vocation stories hinged on their own Catholic schooling experience. You are in for a treat. Our hope is that the personal stories provide inspiration to you in your ministry and can be discussed among students in the classroom, with colleagues in the faculty lounge, and with family around the dinner table.
In the end, DIA is here to support you in this essential vocation of serving the next generation in our Catholic schools. May God continue to bless you in your ministry.
Duc In Altum!
Kyle