The Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) announced the official launch of a new Episcopal Advisory Board during the organizations 14th annual national conference in Columbus, Ohio.
The newly formed advisory board is the culmination of efforts by Bishop Earl Fernandes of Columbus, Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, and Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minn., all supporters of ICLE and champions of Catholic education. Drawing upon the bishops’ experience, wisdom and pastoral insights, the strategic board will provide a boost to ICLE’s mission, enhance its institutional credibility, and strengthen its philanthropic initiatives as demand for its Catholic education renewal programs reach growing demands and provide increasing impact.
The collaboration allows for deeper engagement between ICLE and dioceses across the country to plan for the future, respond to the requests for its services, and discern new ways to serve the Church.
In addition to Bishops Fernandes, Conley and Cozzens, the initial members of the Episcopal Advisory Board include Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City and president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco; Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of Portland, Ore.; and Bishop Thomas A. Daly of Spokane.
“The establishment of this Episcopal Advisory Board shows that the Catholic liberal arts education movement is deep in the heart of the Church,” Bishop Fernandes said. “We want to propel this vital mission forward so that more schools can experience the joy, faith, and virtue that comes with reclaiming our heritage for the pursuit of full human flourishing in Jesus Christ.
“Many educators, clergy, educational leaders and students have already benefited tremendously through ICLE’s quality offerings, and we look forward to strengthening our diocesan relationships to serve the pressing needs of the Church,” he added.
Danny Flynn, ICLE vice president of school and diocesan relations, expressed the organization’s gratitude to the bishops “who believe in our work and are lending their wisdom, support and leadership to guide our future.”
“This is an exciting opportunity for us because it deepens our relationships and fosters greater collaboration with bishops and dioceses across the country,” he said. “This new advisory board will be instrumental as we scale our outreach to new dioceses and expand our formation to sustain this renewal.”
The announcement took place in downtown Columbus, where more than 550 educators, clergy, and administrators gathered for ICLE’s annual conference, themed “Stepping into the Light.” Informed by the bishops’ insights, this collaboration will directly support Catholic educators and administrators who look to ICLE for immediate, practical tools to build thriving schools and communities of faith.
Diocese of Columbus Superintendent Adam Dufault, Ed.D., spoke of this mission during his conference presentation, “Turning Toward the Light.” Renewing Catholic education, Dr. Dufault told educators, requires ensuring that every system, policy, and practice is geared toward Christ. For the Columbus diocese, changing its vision has already brought a transformative change in school leadership.
“Our mission in renewal is that all of our activities and actions only matter if they point to Jesus Christ,” Dr. Dufault said. “Our bishop, Earl Fernandes, often states, ‘The participation of our students in the life of the Church is the marker of the success of our schools.’ This has become the foundation of our focus.”
The ICLE mission is meant to align all Catholic schools with Christ’s Church, in order to draw students closer to Him. Dr. Dufault and the other 67 speakers at the ICLE National Conference provided testimony to the mission.
