By Clara Atallah
Listen to this story:
Many of us reach a crossroads in life where we pause to ask: “How do I discern my calling today and in life?” The answer often involves listening to that quiet inner prompting — the gentle nudge that takes us beyond a career track and steers us toward a greater purpose. This discernment process, grounded in reflection and faith, invites us to seek what is truly for the greater good, both in our everyday actions and in our long-term commitments.
Kevin Booth embodies this quest for deeper meaning. “As I came out of high school, I was actually probably a little bit more interested in the possibility of the RCMP or the police force,” he recalls. But life took a turn when a friend asked him, “Have you ever thought of teaching?” That single question planted a seed of possibility. When a position opened at a local Catholic school, he embraced it wholeheartedly. “I couldn’t ask for anything more. I deeply believed in what the school did, what the school stood for.”
“The best discernments occur through repeated prayer.”
Before long, Kevin discovered that teaching was more than a job; it was a calling guided by discernment. His path led him to various roles — teacher, counselor, vice principal of students and eventually president — each chapter building upon the previous one to deepen both his perspective and his sense of purpose.
Servant Leadership: “Men and Women for Others”
Central to Kevin’s approach has been the conviction that real leadership means service. This principle — often encapsulated as being for others — encourages leaders not just to set policies but to walk alongside those they serve, whether students, colleagues or marginalized communities. “I knew every boy in the building, I knew them, I knew their story.”
This simple but powerful principle defined Kevin’s time as vice principal of students. Though disciplinary matters could be challenging, he saw each moment as an opportunity for growth and compassion. According to his colleague Bob Lewin, “He still talks about that VPS position as being one of his most enjoyable roles,” because it put him face-to-face with the real work of forming young people into compassionate, responsible leaders.
“I knew every boy in the building, I knew them, I knew their story.”
A Mission Grounded by Faith
At the heart of Kevin’s journey has been a faith that underscores every decision. Prayerful discernment plays a major role in how he approaches challenges, seeks clarity and plans for the future. “The best discernments occur through repeated prayer,” he says.
His commitment is not limited to personal devotion; it informs how he sees each person. “My faith has always provided the opportunity to be part of something greater than myself, whether that be borne out through service or through vocation,” Kevin shares. He recalls feeling that something essential was missing when he worked outside of faith-based environments. “I couldn’t make the same connections with students,” he explains, highlighting the importance of genuinely seeing one another through the lens of compassion: I see Christ in you, and I want you to see Christ in me.
Walking with the Marginalized
For Kevin, true leadership demands walking with those on the margins. In his school community, that means welcoming students from diverse faiths, economic backgrounds and personal histories — including those with trauma or learning gaps. This inclusivity fosters what he calls “a deeper capacity for love” and a sense of solidarity among everyone involved.
“I see Christ in you, and I want you to see Christ in me.”
“We’re proudly a Catholic school, but we’re also proudly open to people of all faiths,” he says. “Always seeking the magis, the students continually build on their talents and live fully for the glory of God in their daily lives, striving for something deeper.”
Working in Winnipeg brings special challenges and opportunities, given the city’s close engagement with Indigenous communities. “You cannot escape the Indigenous fact,” says Fr. Con Mulvihill, SJ, reflecting on the call to address issues of justice and reconciliation. With Kevin’s guidance, new partnerships and support structures have taken shape, ensuring that marginalized students receive the care and resources they need to thrive.
Overcoming Challenges
No leadership journey is without its tests. When Kevin first stepped into the role of president, his eagerness to understand every detail led him to question certain long-standing practices. These questions were often perceived as criticism, straining relationships within the leadership team.
“I think I should have probably listened a lot more and maybe observed more, rather than ask so many questions,” Kevin admits.
Eventually, open dialogue and mutual trust paved the way for stronger collaboration. Another hurdle was learning to integrate a governance board’s approach with the more traditional structures he was used to, a balancing act that involved patience, dialogue and further discernment.
The Next Chapter
After decades of dedicated service, Kevin Booth plans to retire in June 2026. Colleagues describe him as someone with a keen sense of humour, relentless commitment and heartfelt support for his team. Principal Bob Lewin jokingly notes, “Working with him is like being in a kind of high-maintenance relationship, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
As he looks toward the future, Kevin is confident that the school — and the mission he has helped shape — will continue to flourish.
“Whoever comes into this position is here to take it deeper, to take it further, to make it greater. When I came back, I felt like I was closing off the circle. This is where it all started. This is where it’s all going to finish. And I’m really at peace with that.”
An Invitation to Seek Deeper Discernment
Kevin’s story underscores the power of faith to guide our daily actions and long-term decisions. If you feel a similar tug on your heart — whether you’re discerning a vocation, considering deeper involvement or simply exploring ways to serve — consider Ignatian spirituality as a guiding framework. For those seeking tools for deepening faith and discernment, visit jesuits.ca.
About the School
St. Paul’s is Winnipeg’s only Catholic, Jesuit high school, dedicated to shaping “men for others” by integrating academic excellence with holistic personal and spiritual development. With a record 637 students, the school champions diversity, inclusivity and financial accessibility in its quest to form critical thinkers, compassionate leaders and lifelong learners — all for the greater glory of God.
