Sent in Joy

We’ve had a tough year at Catholic Leadership Institute. Over the past couple of months, we’ve lost several friends of the organization and some dear former colleagues. When we learned Carla, one of our current colleagues, had fallen ill and very quickly moved into hospice over the new year, our hearts were broken. As a fully remote organization, we have at least one annual opportunity where we all get together, but otherwise, our team consists of pockets of road warriors gathering in different cities for certain projects. Most of the time, we are on Zoom.

Within hours of news of Carla’s health decline, two of our team members decided to get on a plane to bring our prayers and be present to our sister in Christ as she and her family prepare for her to go home to the Lord. I received the most beautiful note from our team members who went on the journey, thanking me and CLI for creating a culture that cares for our people and is willing to invest in opportunities to accompany them — especially in challenging moments.

While I was very grateful for the note, what instantly struck me was the thought: “Why are they thanking me? They are the ones who went to see her.” It made me take a step back and realize just how grateful I am for the people I share ministry with and what really makes mission, culture, and community possible. Yes, it’s important to have a leader. But more importantly, we need co-workers in the vineyard who are joyful to be sent. People who are joyful to be sent — especially into those situations that aren’t always easy or pleasant People who are joyful to be sent into the moments they know — deep down in their souls — are sacred and meaningful. It’s those leaders who may not be “the leader” that go and lead without even being asked. It’s those individuals whose impact in a community has no connection to their title or rank but the undeniability of their daily witness, just as scripture tells us: “He sent them out two-by-two” (Luke 10:1).

My two colleagues didn’t just go; they gave thanks for the opportunity to be sent. Jenn and Stephanie shared that despite her physical challenges, Carla was grateful they came and joyful to be going to the Ultimate Source of Joy.

Please join me in praying for Carla, her family, and her CLI family as we send her home. Prayers that you experience great joy where He sends you this week.