Items of Note: February 2022

Good formation of leaders of religious communities is not focused on simply building skills or knowing the latest and greatest management techniques. Fruitful leadership formation is focused on relationships – with Christ and with others. That may seem obvious, but often we do not step back and look at how we lead from that broader perspective.

As a way of entering this approach to leadership, last month, several CMSM members came together online for our Winter Leadership Gathering. Michael Brough, Executive Partner at Leadership Roundtable, and Prior James Herring, O.Praem., Secretary/Treasurer of CMSM, facilitated sessions on servant and spiritual leadership. While these terms are not new to many, and some may approach their ministry of leadership in this way, Michael and Fr. James offered the participants an opportunity for active and dialogical reflection on them along with practical considerations.

Next month, at our New Leader Workshop, CMSM will provide another online experience that aims to assist brothers, new and renewed in leadership, to build relationships, learn about resources, and reflect on and discuss methods of fruitful religious leadership. You are most welcome to join us for these sessions. Click here for more information and registration.

In a few days, we will open registration for our largest leadership formation event each year, our National Assembly. The theme for this year is “One in the Mission of Christ: Co-Responsibility in Religious Leadership.” More on that will come to you next week.

Please know that we at the CMSM National Office are available to you for individual consultation on a variety of leadership concerns or even if you simply need a listening ear. We are here for you as you may need.

In prayerful solidarity,

Frank Donio, SAC

Executive Director