b'FOLLOWING MARYS LEADA new year-long leadership program builds upon Marianist history, spiritualityand culture to equip a new generation of Marianist lay leaders. By John SchroederW hen Paulette Neuhalfen was named guidance. That was complicated by the fact that theprincipal three years ago at Daniel J. school is situated hundreds of miles from the nearestGross Catholic High School, a Marianist- Marianist-staffed ministry.sponsored school in Omaha, Nebraska, she faced an But last year, Paulette discovered a wealth of unusual challenge: We no longer have any Marianist resources and connections available through MarysPaulette Neuhalfen, principal,Daniel J. Gross Catholic High Brothers here, she says. Whats more, she didnt know Lead, a new formation program designed for laySchool, in Omaha, Nebraska any vowed Marianists to whom she could turn for leaders at Marianist-sponsored schools and retreatcenters. In recent months, those con-nections have blossomed in a close-knit community for Paulette and thefive other principals and six presidentswho participated in the first cohort.Marys Lead was designed to meetthe needs of people like Paulette andher peers who are looking for inten-tional and deeper formation, especiallyas the Province transitions to ministriesled almost exclusively by lay leaders,says Savio Franco, program directorand architect of Marys Lead.The program was created to connectthese leaders to a web of Marianistpeople and resourcesa thrivingecosystem in which Marianist spiri-tuality, stories and principles areshared and passed along via in-personretreats, online tools, platforms and accompanied by experiencedMarianist experts, says Savio. Thegoal is to challenge lay leaders todeepen their understanding of thecharism and contribute their ownideas and materials upon which future leaders may build.4 Call 1.800.348.4732'