What is the St. Remy Initiative?
The Saint Remy Initiative is a collaborative effort between the University of Dayton Center for Catholic Education and the Catholic School Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The purpose of this initiative is to provide Catholic school principals and teachers with an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge and skills in the spiritual, academic, and managerial dimensions of their ministry. Participant teams (the principal and two teacher leaders from each school) will develop a school-wide project for enhancing the Catholic identity within their individual schools.
For further information please contact Dr. Toni Moore at Lmoore2@udayton.edu.
Need more information?
Download the St. Remy Initiative program brochure (pdf) >>
Want to join us?
Download the St. Remy Initiative training session flyer (pdf) >>
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How did we get started?
The name, Saint Remy Initiative, was suggested by Brother Ed Brink, former Director of the Center for Catholic Education at the University of Dayton. Brother Brink, through his research, found that the first Marianist Normal School for the Professional Development of Christian Teachers was founded in 1824 by Blessed Father Chaminade in Saint Remy de Provence, France. Father Chaminade believed that too much emphasis is placed on the acquiring of skills for the teacher and not enough time is spent in forming the heart of the Catholic school teacher. He described his vision for normal schools that would serve in the formation of Catholic school educators as one of his principal undertakings “the one which is closest to my heart and generally interests me most.” We feel that this same vision is at the heart of our current professional development initiative and thus feel that St. Remy is a most appropriate name for it.
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What do we do?
Download the St. Remy Initiative training session flyer (pdf) >>
The major components of the St. Remy Initiative include the following:
- Pilgrimage/Retreat: 2.5 days
- Class/Cohort Days: 4.5 days
- School Team Meetings: 1-2 per month
- School Project & Assessment
Download the St. Remy Initiative program brochure (pdf) >>
Pilgrimage/Retreat
Participants travel to Ohio and surrounding destinations that represent the rich cultural heritage of Catholic schools in our area. Participants will visit the Cathedral in Cincinnati as well as convents, shrines and monasteries. In addition, participants will spend time in prayerful reflection and spiritual centering.
Class/Cohort Days
Participants attend 4.5 days of class/instruction on Leadership in the Catholic School. The curriculum consists of a three-year cycle that focuses on spiritual leadership, managerial leadership and education leadership.
- School Cohorts: Participants will also have the opportunity to meet in teams and to share their projects with one another. Written summaries of projects will be compiled and shared with all participants.
- Learning Teams: Norm Rich will work with us as part of each class day on the topic of contemplative prayer. Norm will also engage participants in activities related to the saints and their influence on Catholic schools.
- Spirit Groups: Participants will be able to choose from a menu of several different activities as part of each class day.
- Self-Organizing Project Groups: Participants may choose from a variety of groups that help plan St. Remy activities.
School Team Meetings
Teams will plan and carry out project work at their school sites.
School Project & Assessment
At the end of Year VI, participants will be surveyed to determine whether the project has had an influence on their attitudes in the areas of commitment, satisfaction and sense of efficacy in their roles as Catholic school educators. Such surveys will be conducted annually.
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What types of credit can I earn?
Participants in the St. Remy Initiative may earn up to three credits in Organizational Leadership in Catholic Schools. They may also earn Continuing Education Credits (CEUs).
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Find out the latest!
St. Remy Initiative Begins Its Sixth Year
The St. Remy Initiative, which initially began as a three year program, is now in its sixth year. St. Remy brings together area Catholic school teachers and principals to develop knowledge and skills in the spiritual, academic, and managerial dimensions of their ministry. The program has evolved significantly since its inception in 2007 with 9 schools and 27 participants. This year there are 66 participants representing 19 schools, and there have also been additions to the Leadership Team structure.
Read the full article from the Center for Catholic Education's Fall 2012 newsletter >>
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We have what you need to succeed!
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What is the St. Remy Initiative experience like?
Get a closer look at the St. Remy Initiative experience! The St. Remy Initiative hosts pilgrimages, retreats, and other special events to enhance your knowledge, skills and motivation in the field of Catholic education.
Have questions? Want to know more?
To learn more about our program, please contact our faculty below.
Louise "Toni" Moore, Ph.D.
Director
lmoore2@udayton.edu
Office 937-229-1051
Cell 937-689-4598
Peggie Bihr
Administrative Assistant
Office 937-229-1294
University of Dayton
300 College Park
Chaminade Hall. Rm. 202D
Dayton, OH 45469-0510