By Joanna King and Tereza Ma
JACKSON – Catholic school educators from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered in early August for prayer, fellowship and professional development as they prepared to welcome students for the 2026-2027 school year.
Hosted by the Office of Catholic Education, professional development days were held Aug. 3 at Annunciation Catholic School in Columbus, Aug. 5 at St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison and Aug. 7 at St. Richard Early Learning Center in Jackson. Each gathering began with Mass and continued with presentations, breakout sessions and grade-level discussions.
The diocesan theme for the new school year is “Live by the Spirit,” inspired by Ephesians 4:32 and its call to kindness, compassion and forgiveness.

Joni House, executive director Catholic Education, connected the theme to the daily work of Catholic schools, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technology. She encouraged educators to consider not only whether technology can accomplish a task, but whether its use serves the human person and supports the mission of Catholic education.
“Our Catholic identity is not something we add to education,” House said. “It is the foundation of everything we do.”
She emphasized that while technology can assist educators, it cannot replace relationships, faith formation, moral discernment or the personal witness at the heart of Catholic education.
In his homily during the opening Mass in Madison, Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz reflected on the trust parents place in Catholic school educators and their shared desire to see children flourish.
“We see them. We know them. We know them by name,” Bishop Kopacz said. “It is very personal. It’s not invisible. It’s not impersonal. We’re building communities once again of faith, hope and love as the Lord calls us to.”
He encouraged educators to help students become “more alive with each passing day in body, mind and spirit, in faith, hope and love.”
Veteran Kentucky educator and speaker Gerry Brooks served as the keynote presenter through a special video created for Diocese of Jackson educators. Brooks, whose humorous videos draw upon everyday experiences in education, has served as a classroom teacher, intervention specialist and school administrator. His presentations encourage teachers and administrators to build positive and constructive school cultures.
Brooks challenged educators to care for their own well-being, avoid becoming distracted by unnecessary conflict and place relationships at the center of their interactions with students, parents and colleagues.
“Always choose to build a relationship over being right,” Brooks said.
The message complemented the diocesan theme by reminding educators that kindness and compassion are expressed through everyday choices and encounters.
As faculty and staff returned to their schools, they carried with them practical resources, renewed connections with fellow educators and a common call to “Live by the Spirit” in their classrooms and school communities.

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