CATSC President – John Nish writes
Charting New Maps of Hope: Reflections on the Inaugural CATSC and EducareM Conference
On Thursday 5 March, I had the privilege of welcoming Catholic educators from across the country to the inaugural National Catholic Education Day Conference, held in the beautiful and historic surroundings of Coombe Abbey. This landmark event was jointly hosted by the Catholic Association of Teachers, Schools and Colleges (CATSC) and EducareM, and delivered in partnership with CAFOD, the Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference (CISC), the Association of Teachers of Catholic Religious Education (ATCRE), the Catholic Primary Partnership, and with the support of the Catholic Education Service (CES).
As EducareM’s Director, Sister Judith Russi opened the conference, she reflected on the profound symbolism of gathering in a place shaped by centuries of prayer and learning. She reminded us that Catholic education is part of a living tradition, rooted in Christ and dedicated to service across generations. She said:
“Places such as this remind us that we are part of something much greater than ourselves: a living tradition of faith, learning and service that has endured across generations. Catholic education stands firmly within that tradition, rooted in Christ and called always to respond with courage and hope to the needs of the present time.”
Her words echoed the message of Pope Leo XIV in Drawing New Maps of Hope, urging educators to guide young people in navigating a complex world while fostering faith, hope, and moral courage.
Speaking on behalf of CATSC, I emphasised that Catholic education today faces real challenges: widening social inequality, growing mental health needs, and a world in which many young people are searching for meaning, belonging, and truth. Yet I reminded delegates that Catholic schools remain places of hope. I said:
“Catholic schools have always been places where young people discover their dignity, their purpose, and their identity in Christ. They are places where faith is not simply taught, but lived — through community, through service, and through witness.”
I highlighted that our vocation is not just professional, but deeply spiritual: to be witnesses of hope in society, shaping young people who act with compassion, recognise injustice, and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable. This reflects Pope Leo XIV’s call for educators to chart new maps of hope for the next generation.
We were privileged to hear from three distinguished Catholic voices. Bishop Michael Brehl opened the keynote addresses with a reflection on St Paul’s words: “You belong to Christ.” He reminded us that Catholic education is ultimately about helping young people recognise their dignity and identity in Christ, and modelling faith in action.
Dr Christine Allen followed, speaking passionately about Catholic schools as beacons of hope and agents of change. Drawing on the Church’s social teaching and CAFOD’s mission, she encouraged us to empower young people to transform the world, not simply navigate it; an idea closely aligned with the vision of Drawing New Maps of Hope.
Finally, Abbot Christopher Jamison invited us to reflect on Reframing the Future. Drawing on Benedictine wisdom and echoing Thomas Groome’s What Makes Education Catholic, he reminded us that Catholic education is defined not by structures or curriculum alone, but by a vision of the human person rooted in faith, hope, and community. He stressed the importance of listening to one another and of precise language, communication, and oracy in preparing our young people to be articulate ambassadors of hope. He encouraged us to approach change with imagination and courage, confident in the enduring mission of Catholic schools.
Throughout the day, delegates engaged in prayer, reflection, and dialogue, reconnecting with their shared vocation as missionary disciples in education. Sister Judith’s closing words reminded us of why this work matters:
“Thank you for being here. Thank you for your leadership, your witness, and your faithful service. We warmly welcome you and wish you a hope-filled, inspiring and transformative conference.”
I left Coombe Abbey encouraged and renewed, convinced that the future of Catholic education depends not on policies or structures, but on people of faith, courage, and hope. The collaboration between CATSC, EducareM, and our partners demonstrated the strength and vitality that come from working together for the common good.
In the midst of the Lenten season, the conference offered a powerful opportunity to pause, reflect, and recommit to our mission: forming young people who know they belong to Christ and who are ready to witness to hope in the world. As educators, we leave this day inspired to continue drawing new maps of hope for the generations we serve… Together for the common good.