by Felicia Holcomb
Special to The Leaven
LENEXA — With the start of the new school year upon us, principals, vice principals and early childhood directors from across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas gathered Aug. 1 for a day of renewal and reflection. The annual Leader Retreat, this year hosted in partnership with Dr. Andrew Kremer of The Catholic University of America in Washington, offered school administrators a chance to step away from their busy calendars and reconnect with the heart of their vocation.
The day wasn’t just a professional formality — it was a retreat in every sense. Centered on prayer, discernment and meaningful discussion, the event marked the official launch of the 2025–26 school year. It also served as a new chapter: For the first time, Catholic schools in the archdiocese are now accredited not only by the Kansas State Department of Education but also through the Lumen Accreditation program from The Catholic University of America.
Lumen, part of the university’s Institute for the Transformation of Catholic Education (ITCE), invites schools to go deeper — aligning academics, leadership and school culture with the church’s mission. (See future issues in The Leaven for more on this accreditation.)
Kramer, who led the retreat, reminded leaders of that mission in clear terms: “Salvation in Jesus Christ is the mission of Catholic education. Every work begins with God and through God.”
Throughout the day, school leaders engaged in talks, small group discussions, personal reflection and prayer. They considered not only what their schools do, but the why behind it.
“If you can keep God as the bookend in all that you do — the start and the end — everything will be OK,” said Kelli Minshall, principal of St. Ann School in Prairie Village.
“Prayer is not a habit; it is a focus,” added Janelle Hartegan, principal of Xavier School in Leavenworth.
The retreat also included Mass — an especially meaningful one. It was Archbishop Shawn McKnight’s first with the archdiocesan school leaders since his installation. He opened by affirming the vital role of Catholic schools: “Schools are at the heart of the church.”
At the conclusion of Mass, Archbishop McKnight offered a blessing and a challenge:
“Let us recommit ourselves to this ministry — not just as a career but as a calling. My prayer for you and all people involved in Catholic schools is that we may be more cognizant of our mission . . . and appreciative of it.”
The retreat wasn’t just for reflection — it was meant to spark momentum. As part of the Lumen process, each school leader will return to his or her campus to lead a local staff retreat designed to set the spiritual tone for the year.
As Kirsten Wondra, associate superintendent of schools, said, “It is the perfect ‘first things first’ for the beginning of any school year. It’s to draw together in prayer and partnership.”
In a world that often emphasizes results over roots, this retreat offered a rare chance for Catholic school leaders to pause, pray and remember what they’re really here to do.
