HICKORY — Quoting Aristotle and Abraham Lincoln, Bishop Michael Martin called on Catholic school leaders from across the diocese to “accentuate the uniqueness of our moment” by embracing new technology and new teaching methods to help the schools achieve their mission: building disciples.
A former Catholic school educator himself, the bishop met with the principals and presidents of the diocese’s 20 schools during their two-day spiritual retreat Oct. 29-30 at the Catholic Conference Center.
He urged them to recognize “the kids today” are different from those of 10, 20 and 30 years ago and to inspire their teachers – and themselves – to adapt their approach to better reach today’s students.
The bishop drew laughter with stories from his days as a Catholic school principal and student (when gym class meant climbing a rope to the ceiling).
He also posed for photos amid the fall color outside the conference center and pledged that, as long as school leaders remain committed to the mission, “I’m your biggest cheerleader.”
Asked what he missed most about his days in education, he smiled and replied: “The kids. There’s just such a richness there.”
— César Hurtado and Liz Chandler