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{{vm.product.Article}} Grace and Governance
A Practical Guide for Catholic School Pastors

Melissa Link, DMin and Jim Rigg, PhD

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The pastor is an essential and irreplaceable part of the parish school. His presence, care, and pastoral leadership is an invaluable part of what makes Catholic schools unique and successful.

Acknowledging that pastors are exceptionally busy overseeing all ministries and functions of a parish, this resource enables pastors to engage in the faith life of the school community in the most appropriate and important ways. Rooted in Scripture and official Church documents, this book offers a theological reflection on the role of the pastor as well as specific and practical suggestions for pastors on how to best lead and support a parish Catholic school. It also provides parish pastors with specific guidelines on major areas of school administration including:

  • Governance and leadership
  • Catholic identity
  • Community relations
  • Academic excellence
  • Operational vitality

This resource will help school pastors shepherd their communities responsibly, balancing strong leadership with secure and generous support of their principals and other partners in school administration. With guidance that is both insightful and realistic, Grace and Governance: A Practical Guide for Catholic School Pastors supports pastors as they lead with clarity and care, shepherding their parish school to live out Christ’s call to evangelize.

“I am very grateful to Doctors Link and Rigg for writing this book for pastors. Our Catholic schools provide an incredible opportunity to share our faith and the message of Jesus Christ’s love for us. This practical guide will help pastors in their responsibility to provide a school environment where God’s love is taught, shared, and felt. The authors not only lay out the principles of why the role of pastor is essential, but they also provide concrete steps in achieving success.”

—Most Rev. Lawrence Sullivan
Vicar General
Archdiocese of Chicago



"Doctors Melissa Link and Jim Rigg in their work, Grace and Governance: A Practical Guide for Catholic School Pastors, have made a meaningful contribution in support of Catholic priests who are entrusted with the challenge and opportunity of parochial school leadership. Succinct, yet firmly grounded in magisterial documents that underscore the importance of Catholic schools in the life of the Church, the authors show a caring affirmation of the central role of pastors in the Church's educational mission. In providing many practical recommendations and best practices for consideration, the authors are eager to make the life of the contemporary school pastor easier. Even assisted by the support of reflective questions and beautiful prayers, the authors highlight the spiritual underpinnings of the valued leadership offered by pastors, an illustration of the natural alignment of the pastor's identity with the Master Teacher, Jesus himself. Pastors will find in this book a description of numerous helpful topics, the inclusion of many wise observations, and lots of positive encouragement for their ministry of building bridges of integration between their school and parish.

"As a school pastor myself, I found their work to be credible, practical, and a good reflective read, affirming the important role of the pastor in the important work and ministry of Catholic schools in our current day."

—Rev. Michael W. Davis, Ed. D.
Pastor
St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church and School
Plantation, Florida

Pastors of parishes that support schools know that their leadership embraces the school as an essential part of the parish community, with all its challenges and blessings. In this insightful and practical book, Jim Rigg and Melissa Link invite pastors to become “Master Dreamers,” strengthening relationships with school leaders, parents, parishioners, and students. Grounded in theology and pastoral wisdom, the book offers realistic guidance, concrete strategies, and prayers to support the shared mission of Catholic education. An invaluable resource for pastors and parish leaders, it affirms with clarity and conviction that Jesus Christ is present in the ministry of Catholic education.

—Fr. Del Staigers
Pastor, St. Mary Magdalene Family of Parishes
St. Veronica School
St. Andrew-St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School
Cincinnati, OH

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