We are so grateful for the partnership that many of our school principals have with their pastors, and we’d like to share three examples of schools that are doing this well. As someone who has attended the Latino Enrollment Institute at Notre Dame University and has also attended webinars put on through NCEA, the National Catholic Educational Association– I have learned through both of these organizations that the pastor principal relationship is key to helping a Catholic school thrive in their community.
The Latino Enrollment Institute has taught me that when you have a “shared vision of a committed school leader and an engaged pastor” it will help “the growth and vitality” of the school and parish community. You can read more about the Pastor and Principal as partners here.
The National Catholic Educational Association recently held a webinar titled: Pastor & Principal Collaboration and Leadership where my mentor, Kristy Dunn, spoke about how she works together with her pastor in various ways to help her Catholic school thrive.
I want to highlight three principals in our Diocese of Orange that are working with their pastors to make a difference in their faith communities and are helping their Catholic schools thrive.
Principal JoAnn Telles, St. Angela Merici School in Brea
How do you and your pastor work together to strengthen the spiritual life of your school community?
Fr. Reader is consistently present at all of our school events, whether it’s a general parent meeting, a fundraiser, a Consultative Board meeting, or a Parent Association meeting. He actively participates, offering ideas and sharing practical examples to help improve our community. He always makes time for us, demonstrating his genuine commitment to our school and families.
Can you share an example of how you and your pastor have partnered to serve or engage with the wider community beyond the school and parish?
We recently attended the Mayor of Brea’s breakfast, which was an amazing opportunity to connect with other pastors of different faiths, as well as city leaders like the police chief, fire department, and other officials. Fr. Reader and I actively seek opportunities to engage with the wider community beyond the school and parish. For example, we collaborate with local leaders on community events, support city initiatives, and participate in interfaith gatherings to promote dialogue, service, and partnership. These experiences allow us to model civic engagement and faith in action for our students and families.
Principal Amanda Hawley, St. Joseph School in Placentia
How do you and your pastor work together to strengthen the spiritual life of your school community?
Fr. Martin and I meet weekly as part of the parish leadership team, and we share a unified vision for evangelization and helping our students grow in their relationship with Christ. Our collaboration is open, respectful, and spiritually supportive of one another. His presence on campus and his role on our School Advisory Board strengthen the connection between parish and school.
What are some effective ways you and your pastor communicate or collaborate on school initiatives and parish events?
We stay aligned through weekly leadership meetings, regular check-ins, and shared planning for liturgies, sacramental preparation, Family Masses, and parish-school events. Our communication is strong and unified, ensuring that families experience a seamless connection between parish and school life.
Can you share an example of how you and your pastor have partnered to serve or engage the wider community?
Beyond campus, Fr. Martin and I attend community events together such as the Placentia Prayer Breakfast and Taste of Placentia. We believe being present in the wider community is an important part of our shared ministry. We also collaborate on service efforts like Blessing Bags and outreach to local families, giving our students meaningful opportunities to live out the Gospel beyond the parish and school.
Principal Stella Costello, St. Irenaeus School in Cypress
How do you and your pastor work together to strengthen the spiritual life of your school community?
We started out the year planning a collaborative, all parish staff retreat with a theme from John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me.” Fr. Mark worked with me, along with other leadership staff, to focus on hearing, knowing, and following Christ.
What are some effective ways you and your pastor communicate or collaborate on school initiatives and parish events?
Fr. Mark is a hands-on leader who makes himself available whenever possible. He leads by example, which encourages me to be a better school leader. We have worked together on such recent events as the Parish Fiesta and Trunk-or-Treat.
Can you share an example of how you and your pastor have partnered to serve or engage with the wider community beyond the school and parish?
Fr. Mark and I recently had an opportunity to participate in the City of Cypress Prayer Breakfast. This was an amazing opportunity to come together with other churches in the community, share our testimonies of how Christ brings clarity into our daily lives, and pray for our community, our nation, and the world.
We are grateful for the principals in our diocese who shared a little about how they work together with their pastor in their Catholic school communities. There are many more stories, and we hope to share more of them in the future.
For information about each of these three schools, we invite you to visit their websites:
St. Angela Merici School in Brea
St. Joseph School in Placentia
For more information about other wonderful schools in our diocese, please navigate through our website.