Understanding the Ministry of School Advancement
- Marthamaria Morales-Elliott
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Colossians 3:23
In the Catholic Church, anyone who works for its mission is a missionary. Your role in school advancement is no exception. Every email, phone call, campaign, or strategic plan is more than work; it is part of a greater mission: building God’s kingdom through Catholic education.
After our recent Professional Development Day on Advancement, you might find yourself asking: Is this my mission, or is this just my job?
When we talk about “ministry” in Catholic school advancement, we’re talking about more than fundraising, enrollment management, or alumni engagement. The ministry is at the heart of Catholic education itself: in the spiritual, organizational, and financial stewardship that allows our schools to fulfill their purpose and serve the community.
Spiritual Foundation: The ministry begins with faith. Catholic schools exist to teach the Gospel and form disciples of Christ.
Mission-Driven Purpose: Advancement supports this mission by helping schools and their stakeholders become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them.
People-Centered Approach: Ministry happens when people feel connected to the mission. A culture of belonging engages students, families, alumni, and donors in God’s work.
Holistic Impact: Advancement builds more than financial strength; it builds a lasting foundation and a broader community, so that schools can continue serving God’s people for generations.
Where Ministry Shows Up in Practice
Within the School’s Vision: Every strategic plan, operational assessment, and long-term initiative is part of advancing the school’s ministry.
In Development and Stewardship: Annual funds, capital campaigns, and alumni relations; these programs are practical ways your school will be able to fulfill its mission and vision.
In Operational Vitality: Enrollment, finances, facilities, and HR, all essential work that ensures the school can continue its mission effectively.
Job vs. Ministry
It’s easy to forget the difference between a job and a ministry.
You’re doing a job if the clock, your paycheck, or recognition becomes your focus.
You’re doing ministry when your concern is the mission, not personal success; when your service continues even if unnoticed; when your work reflects God’s call, not your convenience.
A Saint to Inspire
Consider St. John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of teachers. He dedicated his life to providing quality Catholic education for all children, especially the poor, despite limited resources and constant challenges. His work required innovation, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. What started as a practical mission, educating children, became a ministry that transformed countless lives and continues to inspire Catholic educators today.
Voices from the Field
One of our Advancement Directors shared:
“When I first started, I treated fundraising like a series of tasks. But then I realized every donor call and alumni visit was an opportunity to share God’s mission. I started praying before every meeting, asking for guidance to serve faithfully. Today, it’s not about meeting quotas; it’s about building a community that supports our students spiritually, academically, and emotionally. That shift changed everything.”
This is the heart of ministry, serving not for recognition, but to advance God’s work.
Signs You Are in Ministry
You do it to the best of your ability, not just to get by.
You keep serving even if no one notices or praises you.
Your focus is the mission, not success.
Your work is done as if for God, not for yourself.
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10
Food for The Journey
Take a moment to reflect on your own ministry:
When I approach my work, am I focused on faithfulness or on recognition and results?
How do I involve others in the mission so they feel part of the school’s ministry?
In what ways can I offer my time, talent, or resources to serve God’s work more fully this week?
A Final Thought
Tonight, as you reflect on your work, ask yourself: Am I doing this for the paycheck, or am I doing this for the mission, for Christ? If the answer is Christ, then congratulations!!!! You are not just working. You are ministering.
