Reflections from the 2022 National Catholic Education Conference

Paul Desmond, executive director of Catholic Education Sandhurst writes that on returning home to Bendigo following the final day of the National Catholic Education Conference his wife asked him why he was smiling?

“I was going to say:
A bloke named Gittins told me my day-to-day efforts DO make a difference,
A young woman named Maddy called me to listen to the young,
A group of Aboriginal Catholic educators from Darwin were nothing short of inspirational in what they do to bring God to so many,
A creative young educator produced something amazing called Pray School,
A brilliant young Catholic woman Caitlin Humphrys somehow turned the most terrible Respectful Relationship stats into quality learning,
A woman named Donna Cross reminded me to just keep my eye on the kids,
A sage named Robert Fitzgerald (who could read a recipe to me, and I would be spellbound) told me our work is hitting the mark, but we have much to achieve yet.

But...I just told her: I have spent three days with my tribe, and I am filled with hope!”

A reflection from Rachel Saliba, executive officer of Catholic School Parents Victoria:

Listen to what the spirit is saying
By coming together at this conference
we paused to listen to each other 
as a community of truth seekers
and decisions makers
Those who seek
to make a difference for others and 
for our world.

Our focus must now shift to listening
to what that means in reference to what the spirit is saying
to each of us as individuals and as a collective.

Listening to the spirit is about reflecting on self
What arose in you as you listened?
What triggered you?
How did it make you feel?
How will you respond?

Listening to spirit is the essential message
Your internal self will reveal the answers
Believe in those messages
so you have the courage to take action