By Joe Pisani
Photos by William Staley
TRUMBULL—Bishop Frank J. Caggiano recently thanked Catholic educators from throughout the diocese for their “perseverance and dedication to young people despite the challenges in the modern world.”
He made his comments at the annual Bishop’s Convocation Mass at St. Theresa Parish, where more than 600 educators gathered for a morning-long event that included remarks from Catholic Schools Superintendent Stacie L. Stueber, an address by Rev. Kevin O’Brien S.J., author and educator, the presentation of the Teacher of the Year Awards, and a special blessing for educators as they prepared for the new school year.
At the conclusion of the convocation, the bishop announced the creation of the St. Carlo Acutis Early Learning Centers for the youngest children and their families, the first of which will be established at St. Lawrence Parish in Shelton and offer full-day, full-year Catholic education and formation, complementing existing PK3 and PK4 programs.
During his homily, Bishop Caggiano told the educators: “I thank you for all that you do day in and day out in our classrooms, where you are one of the great front lines of evangelizing the people entrusted to your care as faithful women and men called by Christ to do his work.”
He said this is the 73rd year of Catholic education in the diocese, the purpose of which is to spread the “joyful message of salvation through Jesus Christ,” and not merely to educate students for a life of worldly success but for the good of society.
The ultimate role model for Catholic teachers is the Blessed Virgin Mary, he said, describing her as the perfect disciple and ideal teacher because she had unwavering faith. Her example of virtue, which was demonstrated by her life and not merely through words, was a powerful way to teach, which educators should emulate.
“Our Lady is the perfect model of a Christian teacher,” the bishop said. “Because she was clear as to what it is we are to believe, when at the wedding feast at Cana she said, ‘Do whatever He tells you.’ Period. That’s what you and I should teach our young people to do—what the Lord asks. Because the One who asks for love also loves them in a way that even their parents do not. And the force of that love will allow them to do what is hard and challenging.”
The bishop told the teachers they should do as Our Lady did because their actions will speak louder than any lesson they teach.
“You are women and men of faith and virtue and commitment and perseverance—even with your faults and failures—and that is what makes you a great Catholic school teacher,” he said. “So never underestimate the beauty of what you do—not simply what you teach with your words, but with your life.”
Bishop Caggiano promised the educators they would be in his prayers and said he plans to visit their classrooms during the school year and spend time with them and their students.
In her introduction, Superintendent Stueber welcomed veteran and new educators and school leaders and said their “commitment to students and dedication to academic excellence, and most importantly their witness to the Catholic faith, make our schools places where young people can truly flourish.”
“A new school year brings so much to look forward to,” she said. “New friendships, new experiences, new opportunities to learn and new ways for our students to discover and develop the gifts God has given them.”
She said that the diocesan schools will be united in the theme, “Eyes fixed on Jesus,” which is inspired by words from the Letter to the Hebrews, “Let us persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.”
“These words remind us of what is at the heart of our Catholic schools,” she said. “Amid the many demands and distractions of our lives, we are called to keep Christ at the center, looking to Him for guidance, strength and hope as we learn, grow and walk together in faith.”
In his presentation, Father O’Brien, author of “Seeing with the Heart: A Guide to Navigating Life’s Adventures,” told educators that “holy ground can be found anywhere” and reminded them to approach people and places with a greater awareness of God’s presence. Vice Provost and Executive Director of the Bellarmine campus at Fairfield University, he encouraged them to focus on three simple practices: Be attentive, be reflective, be loving.
Jen Hanley, community engagement specialist for Catholic schools, said the convocation also recognized excellence in Catholic education by honoring two teachers with the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Teacher of the Year award.
John Agostino of the Catholic Academy of Stamford was recognized as the elementary school Teacher of the Year and Timothy Weiss of St. Joseph High School as the high school Teacher of the Year for their dedication and commitment to students and the mission of Catholic education.
