DIA Schools Collaborative, Reoccurring Participant in the Annual Summer Conference, Hosts Summit for Catholic Schools

By Karen Maginn

An informative and enlightening gathering of Catholic high school leaders, teachers, campus ministers and board members is scheduled at Providence Academy, Plymouth, Minnesota, October 23-25, 2019. The fifth annual Schools Summit is hosted by “Duc in Altum” (DIA) Schools Collaborative, and strives to support high schools focused on Catholic mission. The theme is “Preparing Leaders for the New Evangelization.” This is the first time for the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to host the conference.

Programming includes general sessions and workshops specific to Catholic schools. The attendees come from different Catholic high schools across the nation, and it’s expected that attendance will approach 150 Catholic school professionals. Significant sponsors are the Napa Institute and Benedictine College, in addition to Holy Spirit Preparatory Academy, Taher Food Service Management Co., Sophia Institute for Teachers, NET Ministries, Daniel J. Mahoney, Teaching Together, Christopher D. Connors, to date.

Keynote speakers include Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Archdiocese of Minneapolis-St. Paul; Mary Pat Donoghue, USCCB Executive Director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education; Daniel J. Mahoney, professor and author, The Idol of Our Age: How the Religion of Humanity Corrupts Christianity;” and Mary Rice Hasson, Kate O’Beirne Fellow in Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C and Director, Catholic Women’s Forum; and Jeff Cavins, Catholic scholar, author and evangelist.

Workshop tracks, specific to the professions of Presidents, Principals and Board Members; Campus Ministers and Theology Teachers are offered Thursday morning, Thursday afternoon, and Friday morning. Presenters include:

Archbishop Bernard Hebda, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Jonathan Lewis, Young Adult Office, Diocese of Washington DC

Dr. Boyle and Dr. Naughton, University of St. Thomas Center for Catholic Studies

Mary Forr, Teaching Together Entrepreneur

Hudson Byblow, author and Catholic speaker on Catholicism and gender identity

Emily Dahdah, Associate Director of Catholic Education, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Chris Connors, Coach and speaker on Emotional Intelligence

as well as experienced panelists.

Other scheduled activities include daily Mass, prayer with NET Ministries, small group/roundtable discussions specific to today’s issues in Catholic schools, in addition to an “Oktoberfest” outing in historic northeast Minneapolis.

There’s something for everyone who cares about the mission of Catholic high schools! Past attendees commented:

“If you struggle at being a Catholic school versus a school that is Catholic, you need to attend.”

“Truly the best Catholic professional development I have received!”

“It’s a great place for best practices among those around the country who are in similar environments with similar goals.”

“Come away inspired and ‘charged up’ when you return to your own school.”

“I feel I grew in my faith just as much as I learned how to make my school a better place.”

The Duc in Altum Schools Collaborative’s purpose is “Sharing ideas to further the fruitful formation of students as authentic disciples of Jesus Christ.” This conference provides the network and expert presentations to foster idea-sharing and growth through supportive and reflective conversations.

To review the complete Summit agenda, and to register, go to diaschools.org/summit. To discuss a customized registration option, contact the coordinator at 913-449-3060.