By Francisco Valdez
More than 300 high school teachers from Catholic schools across the archdiocese gathered Friday, March 9, for the annual High School Teacher Convocation at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption event center.
Teachers from Archbishop Riordan High School, Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, Junípero Serra High School and Marin Catholic attended the event.
The convocation featured guest speakers, Mass and opportunities for fellowship. In the morning session, Jesuit Father Robert Spitzer, president and co-founder of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith. spoke about the Shroud of Turin and explored the relationship between faith and science. The gathering at the cathedral also included Mass celebrated by Marin Catholic chaplain Father Andrew Ginter.
In the afternoon, Father Daniel Williamson, Capuchin Friar of the Renewal based in Oakland, spoke about St. Francis of Assisi and his devotion to the Eucharist. The theme of his talk aligned well with Pope Leo’s proclamation of a Special Franciscan Jubilee Year to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis, who is the principal patron of the archdiocese.
Event organizers describe the convocation as an opportunity for spiritual growth for Catholic high school teachers across the archdiocese.
“This is really the only opportunity they have all year to come together, to see each other, to talk, to pray and to receive some formation,” said Ryan Mayer, director of Catholic identity, assessment and formation.
Ryan said that the structure of the day changes from year to year. Some convocations focus on professional development workshops or discussions on integrating Catholic identity into the classroom. This year’s gathering was designed to be more reflective, giving teachers time to listen, pray and reconnect with colleagues.
Although attendance is required under the teachers’ collective bargaining agreement, organizers hope the event offered more than an obligation.
“For teachers, there’s always a tendency to think about how this applies to the classroom,” Ryan said. “But today is really meant to be for them — a chance to step back, reflect and simply be together.”
