Discerning insights into how an Ignatian principle can redefine leadership and recenter organizations
Cura apostolica is a Latin phrase used by the Jesuits that simply means "care for the apostolate." More amply, this term implies the stewarding of a God-given collective enterprise, and thus it connotes caring for work that precedes the present moment and has the potential to accomplish something necessary and important for the human community across the horizon of the future. It complements—but can be overshadowed by—the idea of cura personalis, or "care for the whole person."
Leadership Lessons from the Jesuits shines a new light on the importance of cura apostolica in mission-driven organizations. Through his curation of valuable contributions from experienced leaders of Jesuit institutions, Matthew E. Carnes, SJ, articulates the ways in which conscientious care for the work, cultivation of the mission, and attention to identity can transform institutional behavior, business strategy, and the act of leading itself. The book reveals that where cura apostolica takes root, an organization's greater purpose flourishes.
Leaders in mission-driven, educational, and nonprofit sectors will grow as they reflect on these unique perspectives and Jesuit lessons.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Matthew E. Carnes, SJ
1 Cura Apostolica: The Long and the Short of It
Linda M. LeMura, PhD, and John T. Ryan, EdD
2 Found and Founders at Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles
Gregory J. Boyle, SJ
3 Cura Apostolica: Constructing and Reconstructing in Jesuit Higher Education
Nancy Dallavalle, PhD
4 "It's Safe Here": Cura Apostolica in My Experience
William Muller, SJ
5 The Audacity to Lead: Shaping the Next Generation of "Leaders for Others"
Travis Russell, SJ
6 Cura Apostolica: Leading in Community
Stephanie Russell, EdD
7 The Beginnings of Things: Humility, Curiosity, and Other Critical Leadership Traits
Tania Tetlow, JD
8 The Paradox of Caring Too Much as a Leader: The More You Care, the Harder Communication Can Be
Jeanine W. Turner, PhD
9 Finding Organizational Groundedness Amid Constant Movement
Joanna Williams
Afterword: A Superior General Speaks About Cura Apostolica in the Context of US Jesuit Universities
Michael J. Garanzini, SJ, and Arturo Sosa, SJ
Acknowledgments
About the Editor and Contributors
Reviews
"A superb and even groundbreaking collection of essays on how the treasured Jesuit concept of cura apostolica, that is, 'care for the apostolate,' can help to enliven, invigorate, and transform any mission-driven organization. Drawing from a wide variety of scholars, experts, and practitioners, Matthew Carnes has created something truly original: a new 'way of proceeding' for leaders, executives, boards, and staff on mission."—James Martin, SJ, author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything
"This book should be required reading for all entrusted with shepherding a mission—and in particular the mission of the Society of Jesus. This collection of thoughtful, practical essays from a range of proven Ignatian leaders presents a trove of insights for both personal prayer and advisory board reflection necessary to the mission-driven decision-making demands of today."—Eric A. Clayton, deputy director of communications, Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, author of Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness
"A much welcome volume for those in administration or boards of Jesuit institutions and those wanting to expand their understanding of Ignatian leadership. Highly practical and reflective, it provides opportunity for thought and action."—Ellen Maccarone, vice president of mission integration and associate professor of philosophy, Gonzaga University
"As Paul VI observed, we listen 'more willingly to witnesses than to teachers.' This marvelous collection provides a refreshingly sincere, humble, and hopeful witness of the openness, attention, and empathy that it takes to skillfully hold together both care for persons and care for institutions in complex times."—Amy Uelmen, director for mission and ministry, Georgetown University Law Center
"A thought-provoking collection of essays on the topic of Jesuit leadership inspired by recent addresses of Father General Arturo Sosa, SJ. The essays deepen the dialogue related to the care of the apostolate, cura apostolica. The variety of perspectives will help university leaders tackle key challenges, but will also be valuable for Jesuit high schools and Ignatian-inspired works both in the United States and abroad."—John Thiede, SJ, associate professor of theology, vice president for mission and ministry, Marquette University
About the Author
Fr. Matthew E. Carnes, SJ, is the vice president for mission and ministry of Santa Clara University, as well as the executive director of the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education.
Fr. Michael J. Garanzini, SJ, is former president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.
Fr. Arturo Sosa Abascal, SJ, is the Thirty-First Superior General of the Society of Jesus.
