Principals of Catholic schools in the Los Angeles Archdiocese, the largest Catholic school system in the U.S., are learning how to be Jesus-like Leaders – practicing S3 Leadership as servants, stewards and shepherds.
Erick Rubalcava, Chief of Mission and Catholic Identity for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Department of Catholic Schools, began introducing principals to the Catholic Vision for Leading Like Jesus during the past school year. To date he has led 1-day Encounter trainings for first, second and third year principals.
He participated in Zoom interview after the July 7 Encounter, which was offered to first year principals and the Education Department’s staff.
“So far all of it has been very well received,” said Rubalcava.
“Now that I’m serving in a new role, it has been transformational to the formation efforts I’m trying to establish for our Catholic schools,” he added. Rubalcava, who became certified to teach the Catholic Vision for Leading Like Jesus a couple of years ago while he was Assistant Superintendent of High Schools for the archdiocese.
“Knowing that the term ‘servant Leader’ is a buzz word in our profession in both Catholic and public systems, it has been powerful to truly contemplate what a servant leader is and should be by examining Christ’s example and how it applies directly to our lives as care givers, community members and educational leaders,” said Aimee Dyrek, Managing Director of Leadership Formation, Department of Catholic Schools
“My hope I can help assist Erick in spreading this message to all of our school leaders. This opportunity is invaluable,” Dyrek added.
Amazing, inspiring
After the July Encounter, which included archdiocesan Dept. of Catholic School staff as well as principals, Rubalcava said: “Watching our new school leaders embrace the Leading Like Jesus was amazing. More so, watching members of our Department of Catholic Schools staff fully invest themselves in this process was inspiring.”
Dyrek also brought home a lesson for all. “We can grow at any point in our leadership journey. Coupling our skills, passions and experiences with our faith for personal and professional growth is a unique experience,” she said.
“I am blessed to be part of working for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Jesus’ leadership transcends all aspects of how we live, work and treat people we work alongside and those we serve,” she added.
Missionary discipleship
Rubalcava explained that he especially appreciates how the Catholic Vision for Leading Like Jesus supports the experience of “missionary discipleship,” a term introduced by Pope Francis in his encyclical Evangelium Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel).
One of the school official’s hopes is that by introducing the model of S3 Jesus-like Leadership, principals will be able to better integrate the conviction that their work is a mission, part of something bigger than just a position and a host of tasks to address. If that happens, not only will leadership performance improve, it should help reduce turnover, he said.
“This program helps us all appreciate that our work is truly a vocation, a ministry,” Dyrek added. “It answers the question ‘What am I here for?’. And it’s awesome to see people make that connection.”
“Unifying our leaders to understand a common definition of leadership through a Catholic lens and using Jesus, the ultimate leader, as our model will be transformational for our ministry -- and would allow our leaders to further grow in their own faith journey,” she adds.
Rubalcava said that at the third Encounter his office has offered, in addition to first year principals and diocesan education staff, a pastor and his parish team participated -- and their comments after the Encounter “were very affirming.”
Going forward, he hopes to share the Catholic Vision for Leading Like Jesus Encounter with more leaders in education and parish ministry in the archdiocese.
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Editor’s note: To learn more about The Catholic Vision for Leading Like Jesus, click this link to get the book or write to ophelps@YeshuaLeader.com.