It is no secret that the Church has been hemorrhaging members in recent years. Troubled by polarization, skepticism, narcissism, our culture aches for the peace and joy of life in Jesus Christ. But how can they hear the truth of the Gospel anew? To take on this challenge, Word on Fire Institute and UST-Houston created a new accredited Master’s of Arts program offering academically rigorous engagement with the thinkers, ideas, and practical methods necessary to proclaim the Gospel to a secularized and tech-saturated world.

This episode of “Follow to Lead” features a conversation with Dr. Tom Harmon, Professor and Scanlan Foundation Chair of Theology as well as the Associate Director of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas. He is the director of this new academic initiative.

Today we will be talking with Pat Reidy, Vice-President of Mission and Faith at JSerra High School in Orange County, CA about discipleship in the lives of our Catholic School Students. In Luke 6:40, Jesus talks about discipleship, saying, “A disciple who is fully taught will be like his teacher.” So, forming disciples is about communicating likeness - being like Jesus, which can happen to students in class, community life, small groups and through extra-curricular activities. Pat will also share their experiences with RCIA in a school setting.

Today we will be talking with Michael Schell, Headmaster at Sparhawk Academy, an independent day school for boys grades 3-8 in Millis, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, and Sarah Hogan, Director of College Counseling and Alumni Engagement at Providence Academy, in Plymouth, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis.

Michael and Sarah are looking to bring strength and community for those who work in the area of school counseling by hosting a special fellowship this summer at Sparhawk Academy. The fellowship is provided in cooperation with DIA Schools Collaborative, recognizing the need to accompany students toward the future with a strong faith focus. We will explore the world of the school counselor and the opportunities available for the summer fellowship.