The Puzzle: Blog

In February 2025, members of the Carney, Sandoe & Associates Catholic Schools Practice participated in annual gatherings of leaders from schools sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the Congregation of Holy Cross, and the De La Salle Christian Brothers.

Given the current climate, it is not surprising that table discussions among these school presidents, board chairs, and principals touched on topics related to inclusion and belonging within school communities, and how students and faculty can feel more supported and cared for.

There have been many criticisms of programs instituted by school organizations which have tried to support wellbeing and inclusion among school communities, including public, secular and private schools, faith-based or otherwise.

Interestingly, the nearly 200 represented schools from these three different congregational meetings in February all espouse missions that are based on Gospel values. During one discussion, a calm Sister participating in the conversation reasoned how the Sermon on the Mount as reported nearly 2000 years ago by the Evangelist St. Matthew, and acknowledged by many faith traditions, has been at the foundation of her four decades as an educator. It should not change, she exclaimed. “We have been preaching these values for centuries!”

Whether it is from Catherine McCauley, RSM, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, or Blessed Fr. Basil Moreau, CSC, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, or St. John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the Christian Brothers, the initial leaders of these networks of schools clearly took their inspiration for the concepts labeled today as inclusion or belonging, from these thoughts, the Beatitudes:

Blessed are the merciful.

and,

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

And these same Sermon on the Mount thoughts were later amplified in a prayer attributed to St. Francis:

Make me an instrument of peace

Where there is error, let me bring truth …

and,

Grant that I may not seek so much to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand …

At the opening Mass of the LASSCA conference (“New Horizons: Prayer, Pedagogy and Practice for Lasallian Leaders”) in Anaheim, CA, attendees learned that the altar used was crafted from the divine deodar cedar (wood of the gods) of Altadena, CA, representing the rising from the ashes of the Eaton Canyon fire. It served as a symbol of rebirth and enduring faith, reminding us that even in devastation, there is a renewal and sacred purpose. Each day of the conference began in prayer and thanksgiving, recognizing the responsibility all Catholic Lasallian Leaders have to their students. The amazing Liturgical Choir from La Salle College Preparatory sang with beauty and grace “Go make a difference, we can make a difference, Go make a difference in the world. We are the salt of the earth, called to let people see the love of God in you and me. We are the light of the world, not to be hidden but to be seen. We are the hands of Christ reaching out to those in need, the face of God for all to see.” Saint John Baptist de La Salle, PRAY FOR US.

When given the opportunity to serve as president of St. John’s Jesuit High School and Academy in Toledo, Ohio over a decade ago, I was impressed with what one of our young faculty members created. In recognition of our country’s First Amendment, and consistent with the curriculum option outlined by the USCCB (US Conference of Catholic Bishops) for comparative studies, he created a banner for the front of his classroom. The banner displayed in their original languages the phrases from thirteen different faith traditions exclaiming “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” For centuries these traditions have encouraged and taught the dignity of treating one another with equal respect.

From a secular place, and selling millions of copies since its release 35 years ago, there is Stephen Covey’s Habit #5 of his 7 Habits of Highly Effective People:

Seek first to Understand, then to be Understood.

An important part of all of our work at Carney Sandoe & Associates is to remain close to the schools we serve and the leaders who guide them. It is a blessing to be able to participate with these leaders at their annual convocations and learn how they are taking steps to protect and further their valuable missions.

Written by:

Barbara Daush, Practice Leader, Catholic Schools Practice, CS&A

Mike Truesdell, Senior Consultant, CS&A

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