More than 160 delegates representing schools, trusts and parishes from across our Diocese attended the annual Catholic Education Leaders and Clergy Conference at the Ramside Hall in Durham.
Facilitated by the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, the event was titled ‘Called to Flourish’ and offered keynote speeches encouraging inspiration, support, reflection and recognition across a sector termed by Professor Bart McGerrick as ‘the ministry of hope’.
Children from the senior student choir of Sacred Heart High School confidently sang songs of growth and friendship while speaker Leora Cruddas CBE, spoke of flourish as a means ‘to achieve and thrive’.
Catherine Craig, Director of Education at the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle said:
“Thank you to all who attended, supported and contributed to our event. The number of attendees has grown significantly since last year and it was wonderful to see many familiar faces and those new to leadership.
“Today was very much an opportunity to both take stock and look ahead. We know schools across the country face challenging circumstances, yet the conference felt alive with optimism and enthusiasm.
“These are the incredible people who commit to supporting and guiding our next generation and for that we should all be grateful.
“Thank you to Bishop Stephen for his address and the clergy who helped us celebrate our Commissioning Mass. We all continue to work together to ensure these children, young people and professionals always receive the very best educational support we can provide.”
