Building Relationships and Developing People Leading by Example

Introduction As Catholic educators and leaders, we have our mission. Education is a life-long experience leading us forth from where we are, to where God would have us be, in the example of Jesus. We ask God to help us to deepen our knowledge and understanding, our awareness and sensitivity, our discipleship and our serving others in God’s name. As Catholic educators and leaders, we have our mission. Education is a life-long experience leading us forth from where we are, to where God would have us be, in the example of Jesus. We ask God to help us to deepen our knowledge and understanding, our awareness and sensitivity, our discipleship and our serving others in God’s name.

A Reading from the Book of Exodus 2:1-12 One day while Moses was taking care of the sheep and goats of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, he led the flock across the desert and came to Sinai, the holy mountain. There came the angel of the Lord appeared to him as a flame coming down from the middle of a bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire but that it was not burning up. “This is strange”, he thought. “Why isn’t the bush burning up? I will go closer and see. When the Lord saw Moses was coming closer, he called to him from the middle of the bush and said, “Moses! Moses!” He answered, “Yes, here I am.” God said, “Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, because your are standing on holy ground. I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” So Moses covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. Then the Lord said, “I have seen how cruelly my people are being treated in Egypt; I have heard them cry out to be rescued from their slave drivers. I know all about their sufferings, and so I have come down to rescue them from the Egyptians and to bring them out of Egypt to a fertile and spacious land, one which is rich and fertile and in which the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites now live. I have indeed heard the cry of my people, and I see how the Egyptians are oppressing them. Now, I am sending you to the kings of Egypt so that you can lead my people out of this country.” But Moses said to God, “I am nobody. How can I go the King and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” God answered, “I will be with you, and when your bring the people out of Egypt, you will worship me on this mountain. That will be the proof that I have sent you.” The Word of the Lord ALL: Thanks Be to God

Litany With sincere hearts may we always embrace the difference in each other. Response: We gather to see what is honourable, just and pure. Let us make a positive difference in those around us and in the world. Response: We gather to see what is honourable, just and pure. Let us remember that nobody is too small, too young or too unimportant in the eyes of God. Response: We gather to see what is honourable, just and pure. We pray for peace in every nation and in the hearts of all. Response: We gather to see what is honourable, just and pure. In our schools, in our homes and in the community, God calls us to be honest, faithful, and true. Response: We gather to see what is honourable, just and pure.

Gospel of John (13:12-17) After Jesus washed their feet, he put his outer garment back on and returned to his place at the table. “Do you understand what I have just done to you?” he asked. “You call me Teacher and Lord, it is right that you do so, because that is what I am. I, your Lord and Teacher, have just washed your feet. You, then, should wash one’s another’s feet. I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you. I am telling the truth: no slave is greater than his master, and no messenger is greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know this truth, how happy you will be if you put it into practice!” The Gospel of the Lord ALL:Praise to you Lord, Jesus Christ

Discussion Do not use harmful words but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.” (Ephesians 4:29) Be wise in the way you act toward those who are not believers, making good use of every opportunity to have. Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answers to everyone. (Colossians4: 5-6) In light of the verses from Ephesians and Colossians, explain two ways in which these verses apply to building relationships as a school leader. In light of the verses from Ephesians and Colossians, explain two ways in which these verses apply to building relationships as a school leader.

Reflection People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centered. People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse of selfish, ulterior motives. If you are kind, people may accuse of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today will often be forgotten. The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway. Blessed Mother Teresa

Closing Prayer Dear God Help us to encourage one another, to build one another up. Help us to foster genuine, trusting relationships, guided by mutual respect. Help us to treat people fairly, equitably and with dignity. Help us to always to seek to do good to one another. May we rejoice always, pray constantly and give thanks in all circumstances. Help us to know we are doing your will. May we always remember that you are our leader. You are our rod and our strength on this journey. We make this prayer through our leader, our teacher, our companion, Jesus. AMEN.