Earlier this month, Saint Agatha School proudly joined Catholic school leaders, educators, and supporters from across the Archdiocese of Boston at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood for I Believe in Catholic Education, a forum celebrating the mission, future, and shared vision of Catholic schools. The event also marked the one-year anniversary of Eileen McLaughlin’s tenure as Superintendent of Catholic Schools, and featured a keynote address by Archbishop Richard G. Henning.

For Saint Agatha School, the event was not only a celebration but also a powerful opportunity to reflect on and reaffirm this year’s school-wide theme: Engage, Inspire, Grow. Principal Chambers expressed that it was a privilege to represent the Saint Agatha School community at such a meaningful event. The themes of unity, leadership, and mission reflected the values the school strives to embody each day. He noted how especially powerful it was to see students share their faith through music, glorifying God and highlighting the essence of Catholic education to the wider archdiocese.

A highlight of the evening was the performance by the Saint Agatha School Chorus, which sang "You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)" under the direction of Choir Director Kathy Teevens-Fitzpatrick. Their performance stood out not only for its musical excellence but for its message, honoring Christ as the Prince of Peace and reminding all present of the enduring purpose of Catholic education. The chorus, comprised of students from various grades, sang with clarity and conviction, capturing the essence of this year’s motto through music that both inspired and uplifted. Click the link to watch the video.

Special thanks to Superintendent Eileen McLaughlin, Archbishop Henning, and the host school, Xaverian Brothers High School, for organizing a forum that set a vision for the future. In her address, McLaughlin emphasized the unique calling and challenges of Catholic school leadership, stating that although the work can be isolating and demanding, it is grounded in the companionship of Christ and a deep shared purpose. She reinforced the commitment to fostering strong leadership through initiatives such as continued partnerships with the Lynch Leadership Academy and a new collaboration with Villanova University’s School of Business.

Archbishop Henning reinforced this spirit of collaboration as he spoke passionately about the importance of Catholic identity, student safety, and the distinctive moral and spiritual formation offered by Catholic schools. He emphasized that schools should foster not only academic achievement but also holiness, a wholeness, compassion, and faithfulness to God. He highlighted the role of Catholic education in shaping young people and preparing them to be a guiding light in today’s world.

Throughout the event, educators were reminded that Catholic schools are not merely institutions, they are living communities of faith, working in partnership with parents, parishes, and teachers to shape hearts and minds. The forum also featured a moving testimony from alumna Melissa Nelson, now Director of Midwifery at Massachusetts General Hospital, whose words powerfully illustrated the lifelong impact of Catholic education, especially for students of diverse backgrounds.

As the day concluded with music, meaningful dialogue, and heartfelt gratitude, we at Saint Agatha School returned home more united than ever in our mission: to engage every student in learning, to inspire them in their faith, and to help them grow into compassionate, capable, and courageous individuals. Saint Agatha School is joyfully led, remains proudly Catholic, and is committed to nurturing purpose and faith in every classroom, every heart, and every day.