CONSORTIUM STAFF: United in Mission, Sent to Spread the Gospel

Before teachers returned to their classrooms, our Consortium community kicked off the new school year with the annual All-Staff Commissioning Mass. This year, we gathered at the newly renovated St. Bernadette Church, which was a beautiful setting for our entire staff to gather, pray and reflect about the year ahead and our theme of “spreading the Gospel.”

A Community Rooted in Mission

As part of this tradition,  teachers, administrators and staff are reminded that we stand “on the threshold of a new school year, united in our shared mission.” The Consortium’s identity as a collaborative of Catholic schools, parishes and families calls us to form students spiritually, intellectually, socially and emotionally — nurturing the God‑given potential within each child we serve. Staff and teachers planned, sang and performed in the choir and assisted with all parts of the Mass.

Staff shared with our office that it felt nice to start the year centered in this shared belief. 

The beauty of the newly renovated St. Bernadette Church reflected the kind of community we strive to build in each of our six schools.

Commissioning Rites: A Shared Yes

Following the Mass, staff participated in the annual Commissioning Rites, affirming their commitment to the Consortium’s mission and Catholic identity. Together, all staff responded to affirmations, including these and more:

• “With God’s help, I will.” — nurture students’ God‑given potential
• “With God’s help, I will.” — strengthen Catholic identity, empower students and embrace innovation
• “With God’s help, I will.” — embody Gospel values and represent the Church with integrity and joy
• “With God’s help, I will.” — serve as one Consortium community united in purpose

These affirmations become the foundation of the work our teachers and staff carry into every classroom.

Looking Ahead

At the conclusion, Executive Director Shannan Brommer offered gratitude and encouragement, highlighting the many accomplishments of the previous year, the ongoing work of the Consortium’s strategic plan and recognizing the teachers and leaders who contributed to its development. Staff then transitioned into their first Collaboration Day of the year, energized by prayer, community and a renewed sense of mission.

Sent Forth Together

The Commissioning Mass is one of the most meaningful traditions in the Consortium. As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we do so united as one community, ready to spread the Gospel with joy.

Indeed, this year, we plan to embrace a theme of “spreading the Gospel.”  The Feast of St. Lawrence, on which our Mass was celebrated, offered a meaningful foundation for this call. St. Lawrence proclaimed Christ with joy and conviction even in a world unreceptive to the message of the Gospel . His witness reminds us that our classrooms, hallways and offices are mission fields where we “plant seeds to blossom into future treasures of the Church.” 

Staff were invited to reflect on how they will model Christ’s unconditional love in their daily work with students and families. This theme will guide our formation,  Collaboration Days and community life throughout the year.

May God bless our teachers, administrators and staff as they lead, teach and serve this year. And may the Holy Spirit guide our Consortium community as we continue forming disciples who will bring Christ’s light to the world.