A new Episcopal Advisory Board will help guide the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE), the organization announced Thursday, July 16 during its 14th annual National Conference in Columbus.
Bishop Earl Fernandes was among U.S. bishops who worked to form the advisory board, intended to help boost ICLE’s mission, credibility and philanthropic initiatives. The institution, which is dedicated to renewing Catholic schools, has experienced increasing demand for its renewal programs.
Bishop Fernandes will be one of seven U.S. bishops to serve as a member of the strategic board.
“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.
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“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.”
Other board members include Archbishops Paul Coakley, Oklahoma City; Salvatore Cordileone, San Francisco; Alexander Sample, Portland, Oregon; Bishops James Conley, Lincoln, Nebraska; Andrew Cozzens, Crookston, Minnesota and Thomas Daly, Spokane, Washington.
The bishops’ insights will help ICLE support Catholic educators and administrators seeking to build thriving schools and communities of faith.
More than 550 educators, clergy, religious and administrators gathered for ICLE’s annual conference, held at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel this year. The event offered several liturgical opportunities, including Mass, Confession and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at Columbus St. Joseph Cathedral.
Founded in 1999, ICLE serves educators through conferences, workshops, site visits, teacher training, publications, webinars and consultation services. The institution seeks to renew K-12 Catholic schools by reclaiming the Church’s educational tradition for growth in faith, wisdom and virtue.