Teachers of souls: More than 1,200 attend diocesan Catholic school convocation
Hundreds of teachers and faculty from across the diocese attend Mass at the Diocesan Convocation of Catholic Schools at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School on Aug. 4, 2025. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)
KELLER — On the Memorial of St. John Vianney, more than 1,200 administrators, educators, and others associated with the 17 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Fort Worth gathered on Aug. 4 for the annual teacher convocation Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Keller.
During his homily, Bishop Michael Olson reflected on the Gospel story about the loaves and fishes, noting the disciples’ emphasis on what they were lacking. “In Catholic education, we can hear the world tell us that we do not have enough — not enough money, not enough resources, not enough teachers, not enough patience — to nourish all the people in our schools,” he said.
Despite our limited resources, “the Lord shows us that it is more than sufficient when we turn to Him and accept His invitation to be part of His solution,” Bishop Olson said. “Even if it is only a little, it is always more than sufficient … so that we might impart and distribute it to His children whom He has directed us to educate and to form in accord with His Gospel, His cross, and resurrection.”
He cited the Church’s divinely instituted role of teaching, governing, and sanctifying the children of God. “Catholic schools are an indispensable means of the Church’s mission of salvation entrusted to each and all of us by Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” Bishop Olson affirmed. “But He must be in charge.”
He also commented on recent changes at the state level regarding school choice and the Education Savings Account program which will make Catholic education financially accessible for some families. “Catholic education and Catholic schools are part of a covenant. They are not the result of a contract,” Bishop Olson said. “We must not and will not deny access to students and their parents exclusively because of financial need or differences through cultural or ethnic background.”
Lucia Saldana, who teaches Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. George Catholic School in Fort Worth, appreciated his remarks. “They were a powerful reminder that no child should ever be denied the opportunity to attend a Catholic school because of a lack of resources,” she recalled. “That message truly touched my heart, because it speaks to the mission we all share — to make Catholic education accessible to every family, regardless of their financial situation.”
Dr. Natalie Hubbard, a 19-year Catholic school educator and chair of the science department at Nolan Catholic High School, also perceived Bishop Olson’s “concern for making sure, in the steps the state is looking to take, that we help families afford Catholic education [and have access to] the beauty of the formation of the faith. I really heard his plea to help more people be able to have a Catholic education if this is what they want,” she said.
The longtime Nolan teacher understands the desire for a Catholic education and believes the Church’s holistic approach is one reason for it. “That’s what we’re looking at in Catholic school, the whole person. We’re not just educating kids. We’re helping form their souls. We’re teaching souls.”
Saldana agrees that Catholic schools strive to impact both the minds and hearts of students. “One of the greatest blessings we have as educators is teaching our students about how deeply Jesus loves each one of us,” she said. “It’s a beautiful part of our mission, helping children come to know that they are personally loved and called by Him.”
She is grateful for the support teachers receive from the diocese. “They are committed to preparing teachers to understand how to navigate and support students in today’s world — especially with the impact technology and society can have on them,” she said. “As Catholic school educators, we need to be ready to meet those challenges, and the diocese is doing a great job helping us do just that.”
Lindsay Karant, the diocesan school nurse consultant, appreciated Bishop Olson’s reminder that if we trust God with the little we have, He will multiply our efforts to the glory of His Kingdom. “If I can interact with those around me with peace and joy, I can be the shining example of Christ’s love to our students, staff, and the communities we serve,” she said.
As Karant looks ahead to the new school year, she is grateful for making the career switch to Catholic education four years ago after being a decade-long public school nurse. “Working in a Catholic environment is the most integrated and edifying journey I have been on in my career,” she said. “What I like best is that I can care for the whole student as they work toward wholeness and holiness, and that I can serve all of the school nurses and health staff with best practices and the help of the sacraments.”
After the conclusion of Mass, new diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools Frank Perez thanked everyone in attendance for saying yes to the mission and to Catholic education.