“Pastor Rich reinvigorated our staff and helped us recognize the Spirit amongst us. His upbeat approach to formation is second to none!” Patrick Browne – Our Lady of Humility School, Chicago Archdiocese
“Finding Your Pace for God’s Race!”
In this retreat we discover wisdom and methods from Jesus, the Desert Fathers and contemporary Christian Leaders, that will help us look forward to going to School each morning!
This popular In-Service based upon Heb. 12:1-3 reframes the School year as God’s race, not simply a job. The varied formats of Scripture, Song, Reflection and Discussion will keep your Staff engaged. Inspiring suggestions to maintain spiritual and emotional health will keep your spiritual batteries charged for joyful service in the Classroom. This Workshop is great for August or during Lent, before the home stretch!
“With his gentle leadership, Pastor Rich inspires participants to express themselves…” Vicariate I Principal
“Recovery from Rest-lessness”
This in-service helps us look at the causes of our busy-ness and how it affects our relationships, while offering practical activities to restore serenity to our souls.
“Cultivating a Hospitable Spirit”
This Retreat pairs well with “The Race” in-service, for a full-day event. A study of Genesis 18:1-7 and Luke 14:7-15 interweaves moments of quiet self-care to restore our own souls, while we look at Abraham’s welcome of the stranger and Jesus’ example of extravagant hospitality. Inspired passages from Scripture, Mother Teresa, Thomas Merton, St. Teresa of Avila, etc. assist us in making room for the healing Spirit of God in our own souls, so that we might have greater capacity to welcome others. The retreat includes exercises to help develop more hospitable, unhurried educational environments, by practicing community.
Also available: “Chance to Dance!”
This high-energy In-Service offers practical methods to help Staff bring prayer with music and movement back to the Classroom. Using music from the Catholic canon and songs Rich crafted while teaching at St. Gilbert Catholic School,* your PK-4 Teachers will be able to reach every student with kinesthetic learning and bring home the message that “prayer is fun!” * See “Video” tab for samples! https://catholickidsrejoice.com/video-clips/
Discounts are available for Schools that partner together.
“Thank you for reawakening my call to ministry. I left feeling good about what I do…” Principal – Prince of Peace Catholic School
Q: Can staff development be fun?!
A: Nurturing the life of the Spirit with Scripture, Song and Conversation, brings joy and energy to tired bodies and souls! Staff draw closer to one another and to God, during a fun-filled morning together. Participants are encouraged to bring along a journal or notebook, for segments of personal reflection.
Words of Affirmation
“Thank you for reawakening my “call” to ministry. I left feeling good about what I do and knowing that it is okay to be human. I will admit that I do not do well with rhythm, but I left with a song in my heart! Thank you for your witness.” Mary Lou Cacioppo Prince of Peace – Lake Villa, IL Principal’s Leadership Day
“What more could you want in an In-Service? Fun, Relevant and Joyful! Just what we needed to prepare us for the new year.” Mrs. Kimberly Schlegel – St. Paul Joliet, IL
“Pastor Rich is an animated and dynamic presenter and his music really helps to engage teachers. He helps Staff to be reflective and reinforces their contributions to children’s development. I believe Pastor Rich is a great motivational speaker for any faculty or student body.” Holy Cross School-Deerfield, IL Dr. Jack Sloan
“Pastor Rich Rubietta facilitates a staff retreat that rejuvenates the spirit through prayer, scripture reflection, journaling, meditation, and upbeat, interactive songs. His presentation is enhanced by his musical talent, a PowerPoint presentation, opportunities for group sharing, and additional resources at reasonable cost. Pastor Rich welcomes attendees with a warmth and sincerity that will set your group at ease in the retreat setting.” Mrs. Tina Vakilynejad – Transfiguration, Wauconda, IL
“The consensus from the three Schools attending was that yours was one of the most joy-filled In-Service days they have had.” Mr. Edward Glogowski – St. Agnes- Chicago Heights, Ill.
“With his gentle leadership, Pastor Rich inspires participants to express themselves with their bodies, voices, minds and hearts.” Principal’s Leadership Retreat at Mundelein Seminary – Kathy S.
“It was amazing to see even adult men, moving and enjoying prayer! I heard many comments like, “the morning just flew by!” Mrs. Anna Marie Clausen – Catholic Association of Racine
“Pastor Rich Rubietta offers a unique, faith filled journey through song and conversation……an opportunity for us to reflect on our faith, look into our hearts, and listen to our souls.” Gregory Groth – Catholic Central High School Burlington, WI
“Our Faculty loved the In-Service last summer! We knew that when Pastor Rich returned for CSW, that our students would also be moved to Prayer, laughter and joy!.” Donna Lamoureu St. Joseph- Homewood, IL [email protected]
Thank you Pastor Rich, for “taking the load” off us at the retreat and helping us sink into the message of our Creator’s unconditional love. We have such high expectations for our students and even higher ones for ourselves as teachers and administrators. It was comforting to be reminded that our God, our Father, loves us and loves us, even while we are still, not striving and trying and doing. Sandra Prez – Principal – Academy of Our Lady Waukegan, IL
“Pastor Rich reinvigorated our faculty….His upbeat approach to spiritual formation is second to none!” Patrick Browne- Notre Dame Academy of Green Bay, WI (current position)
“Pastor Rich is a great motivator in showing another form of prayer, giving life to it, instead of plain recitation. His presentation is exciting, thought-provoking and FUN. The staff highly recommended that we invite him to lead our students in prayer.” St. Anastasia School- Waukegan, IL Lourdes G. Mon – Principal
Meet Rich Rubietta
- BA in Music from Northwestern University
- Masters of Divinity – Trinity Divinity School
- Liturgy Consultant for the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church
- Pastoral experience in four congregations
- Faculty at St. Gilbert School from 1999-2003
- Illinois Arts Council Artist Roster
“Pastor Rich shared an inspirational retreat morning with the staff of St. Ann School. It was wonderful to slow down together before the year began, to laugh together, to share through music, scripture and personal stories. The morning invited each of us to recommit ourselves to teach as Jesus did and to welcome the children back into our faith community. Thank you Pastor Rich!” Mrs. Joan Leonard – Stoughton, WI
See Rich’s work with students in a CSW Montage of “Lord of the Dance!” below!
See Rich’s work with students in a 14 School Montage of “In The Name” below!