We “Pilgrims of Hope” traveled to Marymount London, carrying in our hearts the flame of continuing the RSHM educational vision in our schools. We welcomed the heads of 17 of our 21 member schools, plus RSHM Sisters from New York, Belo Horizonte, and, on the last day, Upminster.
This year’s meeting, from June 27 – July 3, 2025, was a combination of regional group work to conclude the yearlong Global Network strategic plan process and many inspiring presentations and experiences to nourish and challenge the spiritual-professional leadership of our lay Heads of School. This was a joyful reunion of heads who, over the years, have become close friends, as well as a warm introduction to four of the seven new Network Heads of School and Sister Maria Timoney, RSHM, Eastern American Area Leader. There’s nothing like being together in person!
This year’s Encounter established a clear vision for the Global Network’s future. Two days were dedicated to work on the strategic plan, masterfully led by Sarah Gallagher, Head of Marymount Rome. Sarah was aided throughout the year by the Coordinating Committee which, in dialogue with its respective area heads, shared valuable stakeholder feedback. The Network’s mission statement was reviewed, and minor changes were made and approved. The first vision statement for the Global Network was created and approved, which states: Rooted in the Charism and Mission of the RSHM, we envision schools that form globally competent, spiritually grounded leaders dedicated to building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.
As we move forward with the Network’s Mission and Vision Statements in our schools, we’ll be guided by the following new goals:
- Strengthening Catholic identity and mission continuity,
- Collaborating on academic innovation and holistic development,
- Developing systems for financial sustainability and resource optimization,
- Embracing technological advancement and digital equity.
Our spiritual-professional experiences during this Encounter included moments of personal and group prayer as well as motivational reflections on leadership lessons from the Good Shepherd, on contemplating our pilgrim journey and vocation as a “ministry of encouragement” in our schools, and on living the sacrament of the present moment while navigating the daily challenges of a “Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous (VUCA)” world. As a highlight, we “Pilgrims of Hope” spent a whole day at Aylesford Priory, a sacred Carmelite site in Kent that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries. After Mass, we visited the relic of St. Simon Stock, contemplated the sacred art created by Adam Kossowski, walked the pastoral grounds, and offered a closing prayer of thanksgiving at the High Altar of Our Lady.
After a walking morning prayer, the last day was busy, beginning with a summary of Network goals and performance indicators for each, followed by confirmation that next year’s General Conference will take place in Portugal. It was then discussed and agreed that, after Portugal, that New York will host the Heads’ Encounter in 2027, and Barranquilla will host the General Conference in 2028. Our mentor Jacqui Landry and the new heads shared personal reflections on their year’s experiences. Our commissioning ceremony that afternoon thanked Jacqui Landry for her extended service on the Coordinating Committee and welcomed Eric Crespo, Head of Cantwell-Sacred Heart High School in Montebello, CA, as the new USA representative. We also thanked Concepcion Alvar, retiring Head of Marymount NY and a founding member of the Global Network. Heartfelt thanks were given to Margaret Giblin and her team for hosting the “Pilgrims of Hope” Heads’ Encounter and our two translators from Portugal. We closed with a delicious dinner, followed by warm hugs, good wishes and happy farewells.