WHAT MAKES A DISTINGUISHED PASTOR?

I find it ironic (I don’t think anything is ironic with God) that I came across this article during

the same time we recogni:ed Fr. luke for Pastors’ Appreciation Day last week.

After working in education with the diocese for over 25 years, I have come to appreciate great

leadership. I have been blessed to be under the auspice of some great pastors with a zeal for

their schools and SPX is currently blessed to have a pastor with this kind of zeal.

The article was lengthy so the editor will do his best to shorten the examples. In short, nine men

were recogni:ed as “Distinguished Pastors” over a period from 2009-2012 from the NCEA. Here

are some key qualities that are critical for success in their parish schools. I think after you

read this article you will recogni:e these qualities in our Pastor at St. Pius X.

ENGAGES AND INSPIRED VISION
As the school’s pastoral leader, these priests have a vision of Catholic education in the life of the

parish and they are highly active in promoting this vision from the pulpit and the community at

large (Boy, does that hit home). Pastors noted that students from the parish school become the

most active parishioners when they become adults. (Wemember that point from a couple of

articles ago..?)***The editor would also like to add that the Distinguished Pastor is focused on

the good of the whole not [ust his parish. Father Luke is part of a strategic planning group that

was organized to insure the successful future of all the South Bay Catholic schools. We have

already met earlier this month planning for next year.

PRESENCE

Distinguished Pastors are highly present in their school. They are visible to students and

parents and involved in their lives.  You will find them in a myriad of ways as they

involve themselves on their school campuses.  A Distinguished Pastor also reali:es the

importance of being involved in the school boards and councils. They find the time (an

 

oxymoron) to provide direction, inspiration or to be a sounding board for the members. They

recognize the importance of supporting the leadership of the school.

STRAINED RELATIONSHIPS

Sadly, much of the research on the relationships between pastorsand principals shows a

 

strained partnership. The article cited that the main reason for this is a pastor that maintains

 

too tight of control over the school or the opposite, is entirely absent.  The success of the

 

Distinguished Pastor is based on the principle of working collaboratively with

the principal, serving as an advisor to the school administration. Catholic elementary schools

function strongly when based on a free and open exchange of thoughts, ideas and opinions. This

under girds a trusting relationship

This is an enterprise built on trust.
 

UNIQUE LEADERSHIP

Distinguished Pastors have developed over time, an approach to leadership that has allowed

 

them to avoid many of the pitfalls that are prevalent in many parishes. They

respect the position of the educators they hire and understand their role as the spiritual advisor

of the school. That is not to say they don’t give advice to their principals (They are the boss) but

respect the position of the principal to run the

school.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The article cited many recommendations by these Distinguished Pastors, but the following caption best struck a cord from the principal about our

 

Distinguished Pastor: “ The time demands on today’s priests are high but these men commit their

 

formal and informal presence to the activities of the school. Their presence and vision is directly

 

connected to the spiritual health of the school. Building the Kingdom through the mission of the

 

school drives these pastors’ thought processes. Having a passion for the importance of Catholic

 

education and vocally promoting it appears critical for pastors of successful schools.

THANK YOU FATHER LUKE, FOR BEING OUR DISTINGUISHED PASTOR...