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College of St. ScholasticaBoard of Trustees Retreat

October 28, 2010Minnesuing Acres

Sponsorship Presentation

Sister Kathleen Hofer

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Theological/Scriptural Foundation of Sponsorship

Brief Historical Overview

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Baptismal Call to Mission/Ministry

Common baptismal call for all Christians All become members of People of God Mission goes hand in hand with baptism Sponsorship derives from mission of the

Church

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Scriptural Roots Jesus called and sent apostles Call to teach, heal, and serve those in need Early Christian communities pooled

resources These communities served the needy and

suffering Early Christian communities to monastic

communities

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Call to Communio Communio~an abiding fellowship of

personal and mutual participation in work of the Holy Spirit

Christian communities spirit of communio Christian communities to monastic

communities Monastic communities with the laity

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Church is Communion Founded Upon Relationships

Spiritual communion between human beings and God Communion in society brings need for visible unity

Promotes both unity and diversity

Hierarchical communion – structure of Church governance

Communion among Church ministries – schools, colleges, health care, social services

Represents Christ’s care for the young, the sick, the poor

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Development of Apostolic Works in the United States 18th-19th Century missionary pioneers Established Catholic apostolic works around

the nation Religious institutes founded schools,

colleges, hospitals and other works People saw these works as representing the

Church

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Characteristics of Religious Institutes that Assure Catholic Identity

Called by Christ and ongoing formation of women and men

Ongoing stability and adequate leadership Charisms rooted in Gospels and founders Structural ties to Catholic Church

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Sponsorship Today

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Effects of Changes in Church and Society 2nd Vatican Council – new openness to the world Openness favors collaboration with others,

especially the laity Impact of societal and governmental changes Separate incorporation of facilities Shared oversight of ministries ~ those working in

the ministry and the sponsor

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Defining Sponsorship Latin root of the word “sponsor” means “to pledge oneself

solemnly”. A bond that unites an authorized Catholic organization,

such as a religious institute or diocese, with the academic institution.

A formal permanent relationship for sustaining an apostolic work carried on in the name of the Church.

Academic institution receives identity from and is accountable to the sponsor in specific ways.

Sponsor carries responsibility for stewardship and long-term stability and identity.

Sponsorship promotes continuity and helps preserve the mission.

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Describing Sponsorship Relationship between an authorized Catholic

organization, such as a religious institute or diocese, and its ministries

Structured relationship through which the sponsor, in name of the Church, influences a ministry that meets an apostolic need and furthers the mission of Jesus

Sponsor serves as a structural link that binds sponsored ministries to the Church

Sponsor and sponsored ministries both have expectations of the other, both are held accountable

Sponsors respect and trust the laity while offering the best of their traditions and charisms as gift

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Sponsorship Itself A Vital Ministry in the Church Sponsors act publicly on behalf of the Church Sponsorship preserves, promotes, symbolizes communion Sponsorship is carried out by an organization, not

individuals Sponsorship is committed to cooperation, mutual respect,

faith support Sponsors subordinate ambitions and needs to good of

sponsored ministry Sponsors respect and support governance/management of

ministries, and their knowledge and expertise

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CORE ELEMENTS FOR LEADERS OF CATHOLIC MINISTRIES

SPONSORS BOARD OF TRUSTEES Participate in and/or approve the

mission of the organization as approved or recommended by the board to ensure that it is identified as Catholic

Formulate with administration and faculty the mission of the organization to provide the basis for a culture to carry on the ministry

Participate in and/or approve the formulation of the vision and values of the organization

Formulate with administration and faculty the vision and values of the organization to provide the basis for culture

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CORE ELEMENTS FOR LEADERS OF CATHOLIC MINISTRIES (Continued)

SPONSORS BOARD OF TRUSTEES May participate in the selection

and/or approval of board members and CEOs/presidents, who are committed to the Gospel-based ministry

Select a CEO/president committed to ensuring the Gospel-based mission of the organization and hold him or herself accountable to ensuring the mission

Remain accountable to the church/canon law

Act in accordance with civil and canonical requirements

Approve articles of incorporation and bylaws

Make recommendations or approve changes to articles of incorporation and bylaws

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CORE ELEMENTS FOR LEADERS OF CATHOLIC MINISTRIES (Continued)

SPONSORS BOARD OF TRUSTEES Link and ground the heritage of

the organization with the Gospel and the heritage of the founder

Make decisions consistent with the heritage and mission of the organization and see that programs are formulated to carry the heritage and mission to all levels

Participate in articulating theological foundations to and for the Catholic character of a ministry

Make the Catholic character of the ministry visible to the internal and external constituents

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CORE ELEMENTS FOR LEADERS OF CATHOLIC MINISTRIES (Continued)

SPONSORS BOARD OF TRUSTEES Expect accountability from

governance on adherence to the church in ethical and social teachings

Make decisions and policies that follow Catholic social and ethical teaching

Build trust with those in governance, administration, and at all levels of the organization based on recognition of the common call to further the ministry of Jesus

Build trust with those in all levels of the organization based on recognition of the common call to further the ministry of Jesus