Cristo Rey Kansas City High School End-of-Year Faculty and Staff Retreat: A Celebration of Mission and Legacy
Cristo Rey Kansas City High School held its end-of-year faculty and staff retreat on Friday, May 24, at Rockhurst University. Next year will be the first time that no Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth will be on the school’s staff or faculty. The event marked this change with reflection, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to the school’s mission. Facilitated by Sister Maureen Hall, it served as a reminder of the school’s roots, its journey, and the impact of its educators and staff on the lives of its students.
Sister Maureen Hall: Embracing the Mission
Sister Maureen Hall set the tone for the retreat by recounting the Road to Emmaus story. Following that, she invited the participants to envision themselves on a similar journey with St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac, and Mother Xavier Ross. Sister Maureen highlighted the values these saints embodied, urging the staff to see the face of Jesus in their students, especially those most in need of compassion and care. She distributed pennies to symbolize the importance of not overlooking those deemed the least valuable in society.
Reflecting on the legacy of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Sister Maureen emphasized that, with their impending departure, the faculty and staff are now the mission bearers. “You are the mission leaders,” she affirmed. “Our hearts are heavy to leave, but we are full of hope because of you.”
Sister Vickie Perkins: The Founding Journey
Sister Vickie Perkins shared the history of Cristo Rey Kansas City High School, from its conception to its establishment as a transformative educational institution. She recounted how the Sisters of Charity embraced the opportunity to sponsor the school. Sister Vickie spoke passionately about the challenges and triumphs of the early days, highlighting the collective efforts to create a curriculum, secure business partnerships, and build a supportive community for the students.
Her stories of perseverance and innovation underscored the remarkable growth of Cristo Rey, now one of 38 schools in the network. “It’s worth it,” Sister Vickie concluded, emphasizing the school’s significant impact on altering its students’ life trajectories.
Sister Rosie Kolich: Continuing the Legacy
Sister Rosie Kolich, a member of the Cristo Rey board, spoke on the mission’s continuity despite the upcoming absence of Sisters in the building. She emphasized the importance of academic excellence, rootedness in the Gospel, and the gift of community in Catholic education. Sister Rosie posed reflection questions to the staff, encouraging them to consider how they would ensure the mission’s vibrancy and what commitments they would make to keep it alive in their hearts and actions.
Drawing from her personal experiences and the rich history of Catholic education in her family, Sister Rosie highlighted the communal aspect of the Cristo Rey mission. “To live the mission, it really is important to do it together,” she reminded the participants.
Sister Linda Roth: Celebrating Achievements
With 14 years of experience at Cristo Rey, Sister Linda Roth shared heartfelt stories of alumni who have gone on to achieve remarkable success. She spoke of students who overcame significant challenges to pursue higher education and careers, illustrating the transformative power of Cristo Rey’s education. From the first black female lawyer to a doctorate holder working for FEMA, Sister Linda’s anecdotes showcased the resilience and determination of Cristo Rey graduates.
She also acknowledged the hardships and losses experienced by the Cristo Rey community, reminding everyone of the deep personal connections formed over the years. Sister Linda’s reflections were a testament to the Cristo Rey mission’s enduring impact on students and educators.
Conclusion: A Future Full of Hope
The faculty and staff were left with a sense of deep gratitude and renewed purpose following the talks. The talks by Sisters Maureen, Vickie, Rosie, and Linda highlighted the rich legacy of the Sisters of Charity and the ongoing responsibility of the Cristo Rey community to carry forward their mission. Cristo Rey’s president, Claudia Meyers, expressed gratitude for the Sister’s vulnerability while sharing their talks. Even though they are nervous about moving forward without the Sisters’ presence, she thinks the faculty and staff have been well-formed by the Community’s example and will do their best to uphold the school’s mission.
In the spirit of Mother Xavier Ross—looking forward to the good that is yet to be—the retreat served as a reminder of the collective effort required to continue transforming lives and breaking cycles of poverty through education. With hearts full of hope and determination, the faculty and staff of Cristo Rey Kansas City High School stand ready to lead and inspire the next generation of students.
