Beacons of Hope: Reflections on National Catholic Education Day by Sarah Barreto, General Secretary of CISC
The historic halls of Coombe Abbey recently played host to a landmark gathering for the National Catholic Education Day. The Catholic Independent Schools Conference (CISC) was delighted to stand alongside colleagues from across the sector, participating as both partner and exhibitor in a day defined by fellowship and forward-thinking.
The conference opened with the celebration of Mass by Bishop Michael Brehl, followed by morning prayer led by Dr. Maureen Glackin. This spiritual foundation set a reflective tone for the sessions ahead, which tackled a vital question: how can Catholic schools meet the complex challenges of contemporary education?
A Living “Laboratory of Discernment”
Far from being a nostalgic retreat from the world, the day’s speakers emphasized that Catholic education is a dynamic force.
Keynotes: Knowing Christ in a Changing Epoch
Bishop Michael Brehl delivered two profound keynotes that anchored the day’s theological reflections:
- A Change of Epochs: Drawing on 1 Corinthians 3:23 (“You belong to Christ”) and the words of Pope Francis, the Bishop noted that we are not merely living in an era of change, but in a “change of epochs.” He offered a practical suggestion for educators: to read and pray each Gospel from start to finish—noting that St. Luke is an excellent starting point—to truly encounter the person of Jesus.
- Heroic Witness and Striking Failures: In his second keynote, “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:9), the Bishop explored the necessity of a daily personal encounter with Christ. He compared our modern context to the Acts of the Apostles, marked by both heroic witness and striking failures. His message was clear: like the disciples in the Upper Room, we must be prepared to “get our hands dirty” in the work of the Gospel.
Beacons of Hope and Agents of Change
Christine Allen, Director of CAFOD, provided an inspiring reminder of the enduring relevance of Catholic Social Teaching. She challenged participants to view our schools not just as places of learning, but as a “laboratory of discernment”—beacons of hope and agents of change that witness to a faith inseparable from love for the poor.
Reframing the Future: Finding Grace
The conference reached a thought-provoking conclusion with a final session by Dom Christopher Jamison OSB, Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation. Speaking on the theme of “Reframing the Future,” Abbot Christopher drew upon the insights of his new book, Finding Grace.
He argued that one of the primary challenges of our time is the rediscovery of the meaning of words, which have often become diluted or distorted in contemporary secular discourse. To navigate this, he introduced a learning process designed by Tom Groome, which encourages educators to move beyond mere information sharing toward a deeper, shared Christian praxis. By reclaiming our language and our shared story, we find the “grace” necessary to lead our schools into an uncertain future with confidence.
Priorities for the Year Ahead
The day also highlighted three essential priorities emerging from the Global Compact on Education:
- The Inner Life: Cultivating the spiritual depth of our students and staff.
- The Digital Human: Navigating identity and ethics in a tech-driven world.
- Unarmed and Disarming Peace: Promoting a culture of non-violence and reconciliation.
Strength in Collaboration
For CISC, the event was a vital opportunity to listen and share. General Secretary Sarah Barreto was pleased to be joined by several CISC member representatives, including Ged Owens (Salesian College), Maria Young (Farnborough Hill), Dan Jameson (St George’s Junior School), Joe Cunningham (St Joseph’s, Reading), and Adrian Ross (Woldingham).
Their presence underscored the strength of the independent sector’s commitment to the wider mission of the Church. As we look forward to the next gathering, we carry with us the renewed conviction that our schools are called to flourish as communities of faith, excellence, and service.