Each year hundreds of Catholic educators, principals, high school presidents, Newman campus ministers, youth ministers and parish catechetical leaders come together for what is traditionally known as the Bishop’s Convocation. The annual event serves as a formal kickoff to the school year and prepares educational leaders for their role in teaching and incorporating faith into the classroom.
This year, the planning team of diocesan superintendents and catechetical leaders adapted the once in-person gathering to a digital event conducted on a virtual meeting platform. The 2020 theme, “Forward with Christ; A Path to Renewing Catholic Life,” coincides with directives communicated in earlier months from the Office for Clergy and Religious and the Secretariat for Parish Life and Development to pastors across the diocese when reopening parishes during the pandemic.
Approximately 180 participants joined the session on Aug. 12 as Frank O’Linn, superintendent of Catholic schools, greeted everyone virtually.
“The pandemic is perhaps the most difficult adaptive challenge we have faced as leaders and ministers," O’Linn said, also noting that for many "the current situation, challenging as it is, is not the most difficult they have encountered" compared to other tragedy and loss. "Through all kinds of struggles, as well as all sorts of joy, one thing is constant: our Catholic faith."
Opening with prayer, Father Don Oleksiak, diocesan administrator, asked for God’s presence during those anticipated difficult times for both teachers and students who will be meeting in person or digitally at the start of the school year. Father Oleksiak thanked everyone for being committed to “passing on the faith and sharing God’s incredible love for all of us during this global crisis.” He reminded educators to lean into their faith as they start the school year in a heroic way.
Greg Coogan, secretary for catechetical formation, then welcomed guest speaker Taylor Tripodi to the convocation. Tripodi, a 2012 Trinity High School graduate, is a Catholic music recording artist. Her witness and musical inspiration urged teachers to be creative in their approach of passing on the Catholic faith while making their classrooms places of love and care during an unprecedented time.
“I’d like to remind you how much your positive influence is needed,” Tripodi said. “I knew my Trinity High School teachers well and by them showing their authentic relationship with Jesus, how they knew him personally, that made such a huge impact on me,” she added.
Tripodi challenged teachers to think about what they are teaching first. She posed the question, “How are you approaching the classroom conversation?” She encouraged educators to approach each situation, each lesson with love.
“Love is the root of Catholic education. Now more than ever young people must know they are loved,” she said.
Tripodi said she realized during the pandemic that nothing in the world is secure, but her faith allows her to stand firm in knowing that Jesus never changes.
“Jesus is love; Christ is the root,” Tripodi said.
Before joining smaller breakout sessions, the virtual convocation included a TED Talk by Pope Francis. His message focused on having compassion, how to practice humanity in today’s society and the powerful action of a person reflecting positive light during a time of darkness.
Watch the entire TED Talk featuring Pope Francis here.
Amy Butler, superintendent for secondary education, gave a reflection at the conclusion of the TED Talk. “His words always challenge us, don’t they?” Butler asked the group. “Teachers, leaders, educators, administrators – we are all givers of hope and givers of love. Focus on God and not the storms around us, and together we will have a successful school year.”