New initiative focuses on future leaders in parishes and schools

By Melissa Williams Brown
Contributing Writer

GREENSBURG — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg and the Office
of Catholic Schools are partnering to recognize and develop future leaders in our parishes and schools, with support from a grant from the Pittsburgh-based Staunton Farm Foundation.

In August, 40 students representing all 12 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Greensburg came together at Christ Our Shepherd Center, Greensburg, to participate in the Diocese of Greensburg Leadership Camp, designed to cultivate leadership, character and community in high school students.

Following a welcome by Bishop Larry J. Kulick, participants began the day with discussions focused on core leadership themes such as personal values, effective communication and conflict resolution styles, followed by team activities that
emphasized collaboration and problem-solving.

The day concluded with a presentation by Dr. Michael Urick, Dean of the Alex G.
McKenna School of Business at Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, on cultivating an attitude of lifelong success.

Robert Baum, Director of Counseling Services for Catholic Charities, said for more than a year, Catholic Charities has been working with Diocesan Catholic schools by providing counselors to address the needs of students and families. Counselors help students build healthy relationships, embrace differences, communicate effectively and strengthen decision-making skills, he said, ultimately empowering students to
thrive both personally and academically, creating a foundation for lifelong learning and leadership.

“The grant from Staunton Farm helps us provide additional training, administrative and material support to our counselors so that they are better equipped to address social-emotional stressors among students and families,” Baum said. “Leadership Camp empowers students with essential skills that not only guide them forward but also serve them throughout their lives.”

“We wanted to cover basic qualities that exemplify a good leader. Chief among those qualities is offering students insight into leadership and providing a platform to discuss virtues, values, communication, conflict resolution, teamwork and attitudes that lead to success. Leaders have the courage to go first, and we want them to go out into the world and be strong in their faith and values.”

Superintendent of Catholic Schools Dr. Nancy Rottler said one of the key skills for this next generation of disciples of Christ is to lead with kindness and respect.

“We want these students to have respect for themselves and for others, and I was so
impressed with these students and their ability to listen and learn,” she said. “This is a wonderful extension of the classroom. This experience was more than just a series of activities, but a meaningful experience focusing on developing the skills, mindset
and confidence needed to lead as disciples of Christ in today’s ever-changing world.”

“In bringing together students from across our 12 Catholic schools, we create a unique opportunity for collaboration, growth and the expansion of knowledge while
deepening their commitment to carry the Catholic mission forward.”

Students who participated in the Leadership Camp were nominated by their principals for attendance. Dr. Michael and Stephanie Szwerc said their daughter Katie, a sixth-grader at Christ the Divine Teacher School, Latrobe, was excited to attend the camp and connect with her peers in other Diocesan Catholic schools.

“We hope that this camp will become a tradition, as it will certainly help to shape
Catholic leaders of the future,” they said. “In a world filled with negative influences on the youth of today, this camp encourages young Catholics to be strong leaders in the faith. This is keeping in line with Pope Leo’s recent urging of Catholic youths to ‘aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are.’”

Both Baum and Dr. Rottler believe this first collaboration for young leaders is just the beginning.

“We want these students to take what they have learned back to their schools and
their communities,” Baum, said. “We also hope that they are energized and excited
and will lead other students to participate in a future Leadership Camp.”