On April 7, Archbishop Bernard Hebda told nearly 4,000 educators at the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) convention that Catholic education continues to form people throughout their lives. He said this while presiding at the opening Mass of the April 7-9 gathering at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
“It’s magnificent that you would always come together … to not only be with one a...
The NCEA convention narrative presents Catholic education as a transformative force, rooted in personal relationships with Christ and resilience amid adversity. The strongest version of this narrative highlights educators as heroic figures who embody faith in action, from navigating tragedies like the Annunciation Church shooting to supporting families during immigration crackdowns. The emphasis on "encounter" and "intimacy" with Christ frames teaching as a sacred vocation, not just a profession...