A Landmark Gathering Led by the St. John Henry Newman Institute: Recap of the 2025 Convocation on the Renewal of Catholic Education

Event Recap: Convocation on Catholic Education RenewalOver the course of two days at the Augustine Institute’s new campus in St. Louis, over 70 bishops, diocesan leaders, Catholic educators, and philanthropic partners gathered for the inaugural Convocation on Catholic Education Renewal. This landmark event was the culmination of 18 months of collaboration between five institutions (St. John Henry Newman Institute, ICLE, Catholic Education Partners, University of St. Thomas Catholic Studies department, and Augustine Institute) committed to responding to the Church’s growing crisis of faith — not only with diagnosis, but with action.

A Call to Fidelity and Renewal

The convocation opened on April 1 with a bishop-led Morning Prayer, followed by a powerful panel on Fidelity: How Catholic Schools Can Respond to the Crisis of Faith, featuring Archbishop Cordileone, Archbishop Sample, and Bishop Daly. Moderated by Mary Pat Donoghue (USCCB), the session emphasized the bishop’s role as teacher and shepherd — and highlighted how schools grounded in sacramental life and priestly fidelity can become true centers of missionary discipleship.

Dr. Michael Naughton then offered a theological and operational framework for renewal, underscoring the need for institutional conversion — with a focus on formation and funding. Attendees were invited into a brief contemplative silence before engaging in a lively interactive dialogue.

The afternoon session, led by Mary Pat Donoghue and Beth Sullivan, addressed prophetic formation, identifying the breakdown in pedagogical and leadership models, and proposing innovative structures that form both minds and hearts in the truth of Christ. Breakout discussions with bishops and task force moderators gave attendees the opportunity to reflect concretely on these challenges in their own diocesan contexts.

The day concluded with Mass and a formal dinner, where Fr. Robert Sirico delivered a keynote address on entrepreneurial approaches to Catholic school renewal — including creative solutions for sustainable teacher salaries and mission-driven formation.

Stewardship and the Structures That Sustain

The second day of the convocation turned toward stewardship and structural innovation. Shawn Peterson and Elias Mo

o led a session exploring how Catholic teaching on parental choice, real tuition models, and better use of data can strengthen the financial foundation of faithful Catholic schools. Their p

resentation drew on policy insights and practical examples to help participants think concretely about scale.

Breakout and large-group discussions on Wednesday morning helped surface what’s needed from diocesan structures, national partners, and accrediting bodies to better support school transformation. 

A Shared Mandate for the Future

Closing remarks by Michael Ortner and Bishop Thomas Daly emphasized the urgent need for both visionary leadership and practical implementation. Ortner described the renewal effort as a two-lung approach — breathing through both faithful formation and strategic stewardship. Bishop Daly closed with a call to perseverance and clarity in building Catholic schools that are worthy of the Church’s mission.

The convocation concluded with a final Mass and an optional evening dinner. Participants left encouraged, equipped, and united in purpose — committed to continuing the renewal of Catholic education in fidelity to Christ

 in service to the Church.

What began as a hope to bring together those laboring for the renewal of Catholic education became a reality because of the trust, generosity, and shared mission of so many. The St. John Henry Newman Institute is deeply grateful to have played a founding role in this effort—and even more grateful to walk alongside those committed to restoring Catholic schools to the heart of the Church.