Principal as Prophet

The first in a set of five publications on the educational "ministry" begins with the title essay by Sister Rose Marie Hennessy. Citing Old and New Testament passages, the essay suggests that the Catholic School principal lives out a form of prophetic leadership in the church: to serve a given community in its relationship to God. "Guidelines for Reflection for Catholic School Principals," by Sister Mary James Merrick, further supports the concept that Christian administrators receive a special calling by citing scripture. God's grace in the principal's life, basic theological views, characteristics of Christian administrators, and the ministry of administration are briefly considered. A checklist, in the form of questions, pertaining to ways of relating with parents, the pastor, teachers, and children is followed by questions for reflection and suggested scripture readings. "Guidelines for Relection for Diocesan Office Personnel," by Brother Dominic Berardelli, asks a series of questions to suggest practical ways diocesan offices can redirect their school administrators to their authentic purpose as spiritual leaders of the school community. The final essay, "Guidelines for Reflections for Parish Directors of Religious Education," by Thomas Smith, outlines the responsibilities of the director of religious education (DRE) and suggests a model of the DRE as a prophet. (MLF)