I am blessed that I get to see some very exceptional places in the work I do. In terms of schools, you have to see Cathedral Catholic in San Diego.

This school used to be named University High and was located across the street from the University of San Diego. They moved to a beautiful area of the city two years ago and have been on a brand new campus (somewhere between $50 and $70 million dollars).

From a teacher’s standpoint, it is one of those places that makes your mouth water. “State of the art” comes to my mind whn I see the campus and its “amenities.” It is truly exceptional. You can see more about the school here.

Yet what’s more impressive is its staff and programming. I had the chance to speak to the coaches about athletics and spirituality. I was encouraged by what I saw, heard and felt in dicusssing with them why they still coach. It is a high privilege, a high responsibility and a high level of commitment to coach well at a Catholic school. I admire those who underake this often-thankless task. (and I miss being around athletics on a regular basis.).

I also ha the chance to speak to the 500-plus freshmen at the school on their freshmen retreat. The theme was “Let My Gifts Change the World.” The campus minister at the school, Joe Cannon, does some fine work and has a great vision for a good ministry program.