The Follow to Lead Podcast

Today on Follow to Lead we will be talking with Fr. Joseph Anthony Kress, a Dominican priest with the Province of St. Joseph (Eastern Province). Together we’ll explore the resurgence of faith that seems to be taking place in the United States as well as talk about the importance of the Rosary and the upcoming Rosary Pilgrimage in Washington DC.

This month we are beginning a new monthly feature on “Follow to Lead,” spotlighting one of our member schools. Looking at the history, vision, challenges and unique qualities these schools provide, each visit can help to encourage and inspire Catholic Educators and leaders in their local mission. Our first guest for this monthly feature is Sr. M. Bridget Martin, principal of The High School of St. Thomas More in Champaign, IL.

Today on “Follow to Lead” we’ll be talking with Nathan Beacom of Seva Fidem about their work in encouraging high school men and women in their walk of discipleship. Their ministry assists campus ministries programs through establishing small groups of students with adult mentors in their communities for weekly gatherings. In this way, students learn how to better understand their faith and develop deep, personal relationships with Jesus Christ and his Church.

Most of us may have heard of “The Newman Guide” from the Cardinal Newman Society that recommends colleges and universities which provide faithful Catholic education. Today, we’ll be talking with the society’s director, Patrick Reilly, about the beginnings of their work, about the Guide and Catholic Education in general. Please join us for this most interesting episode of “Follow to Lead.”

Today we will be talking about Catholic School leadership, exploring both what it means to be a leader and what resources are available to equip school leaders for mission. Our guest is Dr. Krystyn Schmerbeck Lulloff from Benedictine College. As a director of programs in school leadership, Krystyn will be sharing current insights and ideas on being a leader.

Summer is a great time to review key areas of our school programs including Faculty Faith Formation. This area is often neglected or de-prioritized due to the busy-ness of our schools. When we realize the reason for this formation, however, we can see why we need to take another look at the importance of this activity in the life of our educators. Join Sebastian and Jennie from the Seelos Institute to take a fresh look at this area of ministry.

On this episode of “Follow to Lead” we’ll take a deep dive into digital addiction with Andrew Laubacher, the Executive Director of Humanality. The organization helps people discover freedom through an intentional relationship with technology. But more than that - they teach you to flourish in your humanity. There’s more to wellness than just “not looking at a screen.” They created the first digital detox wellness program that shifts the focus from the problem (digital addiction) to the solution (being more human). You won’t want to miss this episode!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and today we will be talking with Catherine DiNuzzo, a Catholic speaker, author, and Licensed Professional Counselor. Catherine is the author of the bestselling book “The Catholic Guide Through Anxiety,” which offers a practical and faith-informed approach to understanding and managing anxiety. We’ll also explore managing anxiety in schools and classrooms.

On this episode of follow to lead we’ll be talking with Cristy McNay, from Partners in Mission, who specializes in Catholic school enrollment management, recruitment, and retention. From her vast experience including 17 years in leadership roles in Catholic Schools, we asked Cristy to share with us a list of her five most important life lessons regarding admissions and enrollment. These will definitely prove to be meaningful and applicable not only for those involved in enrollment management but all who are involved in Catholic Education.

A great resource for families and schools has been released by the Augustine Institute called “Welcome to Hope Springs,” an audio drama series that looks at life through a Catholic worldview. We’ll be talking with Peabody Award-winning author Paul McCusker, the writer and producer of the series about its development and distribution.

The story follows a tight-knit group of young friends who gather at a restored train station that becomes a community hub. As they pursue new adventures, they solve unexpected mysteries and encounter unexplainable events.  The kids gradually learn that their choices and relationships shape who they are becoming, offering meaningful moral lessons that give parents easy openings for conversations about character and faith.