Catholic Review Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Catholic schools convocation celebrates teachers

TIMONIUM – School Sister of Notre Dame Patricia McCarron spent her first official day as superintendent of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Catholic schools celebrating with the teachers she oversees.

During her remarks at the Catholic Education Convocation Mass and awards ceremony Aug. 21 at the Church of the Nativity in Timonium, School Sisters of Notre Dame Patricia McCarron, reminds everyone in attendance that they bring hope to their students and families as the academic year begins. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

The former head of Notre Dame Preparatory School in Towson was all smiles as she addressed the crowd of more than 1,600 educators hailing from across the diocese – from Bishop Walsh School in Cumbersland to Joan of Arc School in Aberdeen – gathered Aug. 21 in the Church of the Nativity in Timonium.

“I cannot think of a better way to start my first day than sharing this beautiful liturgy together as a faith community,” Sister Patricia said, after being introduced by Gregory A. Farno, chancellor of education. “My parents’ deep and unwavering commitment to their Catholic faith and the tremendous sacrifices they made to provide their four children with Catholic school educations, made all the difference. The values that were foundational to our family life were reinforced daily in my Catholic school education and have been a driving force in my life.”

The event began with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop William E. Lori, who, in his homily, reflected on the practices of Pope St. Pius X and provided three points of reflection.

Archbishop William E. Lori receives a gift from Betty Contino, chair and CEO of the Women’s Education Alliance, a partner of the Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools. The unscripted moment took place during the Catholic Education Convocation Mass and awards ceremony Aug. 21 at the Church of the Nativity in Timonium. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Media)

First, love young people by being “faithful, hope-filled witnesses who lead children and parents alike to seek and find the Lord in the church’s sacramental life.”

Second, many young people, the archbishop said, now “live online” and are “subject to deception and confusion … even more so with the advent of AI (artificial intelligence).” He thanked the teachers for being faithful witnesses who help students “find in Christ the answer to their questions, the source of their dignity and the one who loves them like no other.”

Following Christ and his teachings is not easy, the archbishop said, and his third point reminded everyone that as pilgrims of hope, they are also pilgrims of love, who “strive to restore all things in Christ.”

“Thank you for loving the Lord in the midst of your daily challenges,” Archbishop Lori said.

A ceremony after the Mass recognized teachers for their years of service, celebrated each school’s teacher of the year and honored the three archdiocesan teachers of the year: Marlena Murtagh, independent Catholic high school teacher of the year; Natalie Hax, archdiocesan high school teacher of the year; and Lori Hicks, archdiocesan elementary school teacher of the year.

During one of several lighthearted moments of the morning, Bishop Adam J. Parker humorously dismisses his closing remarks, stating they could not be used because they were generated by AI. His comment came after earlier remarks made by Joe Olzewski, director of technology for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, during the Catholic Education Convocation held at the Church of the Nativity on Aug. 21 in Timonium. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Media)

The Doris Musil Award was presented to Lisa Madgar, who is currently an administrative assistant at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Towson, but has worn many hats, including assistant principal at St. Ursula School and as coordinator of special projects for Catholic schools.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled when I look around the room and see all the deserving individuals who answered the call to work in and for our schools every day,” Madgar said. “I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to work with so many talented and committed individuals who use their hands, their feet, their hearts, their minds and their souls as they endeavor to build the kingdom of God.”

This year marked the first time the Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic schools presented its annual partnership award during the convocation. Betty Contino, CEO of the Women’s Education Alliance, accepted the award for the nonprofit, which partners with four archdiocese schools – Archbishop Border School, Bishop Walsh School, Cardinal Shehan School and Mother Mary Lange Catholic School.

“We‘re so proud of the schools we serve,” Contino said. “We have had the privilege of serving them and the children for these many years. It’s a blessing to partner.”

Amy Strickland, a fourth-grade teacher at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Towson, enjoys attending the convocation, she said after the Mass, as it shows her school is part of a larger community, the Archdiocese of Baltimore. She was looking forward to the first day of school, Aug. 25.

“They are so fun,” Strickland said, of her students. “To watch them light up with ideas.”

Gregory A. Farno, chancellor of education for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, personally greets teachers and staff before the Catholic Education Convocation Mass and awards Aug. 21 at the Church of the Nativity in Timonium. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

Erica Fabrizio, an art teacher at Bishop Walsh School in Cumberland, also looked forward to the first day of school.

“I’m ready for the kids to come into the classroom and start creating again,” she said.

“To all of you, I wish you a very, very blessed and wonderful school year,” Auxiliary Bishop Adam J. Parker said in his closing remarks. “The young people that you are in front of every single day look to you as models not only for the education and knowledge that you are giving them, but the example you are setting for them, the example that comes to all of us from our faith in Jesus Christ. That example means so very, very much to young people.

“Go forth and have a great school year,” he said.

Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org

To view more photos from the convocations, click through the slideshow below or visit: https://catholicreview.smugmug.com/Convocation-2025