Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The Archdiocese of Louisville’s Catholic Schools Office has introduced a new theme for the academic year: “Listen, Teach, Send: Foster a Faithful Community.” This initiative aims to guide educators and administrators in their interactions with each other, students, and families. The theme is influenced by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) new pastoral framework for youth and young adult ministry.

Both the theme and the USCCB framework draw inspiration from the Gospel story of two disciples' encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, according to Mary Beth Bowling, superintendent of schools. “We need to look on a deeper level at how we are serving our schools,” Bowling stated in a recent interview. “We want to walk alongside them and be good listeners.”

Bowling and Assistant Superintendent Amy Nall hope that implementing this theme will yield positive outcomes throughout the school year. Bowling emphasized that living out faith should be central to their work. “That needs to be the center and core of how we work with the people we serve,” she said. “We have a responsibility to the Gospel teaching... If I’m not sharing the Good News, how will it become part of our DNA?”

Bowling also noted a shift in principals' roles from evaluating teachers to coaching them and providing feedback. Nall mentioned that principals participated in a retreat in late July where they reflected on intentional support for faculty, staff, and families.

Families seek reassurance during challenging times, according to Bowling. She believes that strong parent partnerships benefit children significantly. “It’s going to look differently in every school or classroom, but if we listen first to better understand whatever the situation is, I think we can respond more authentically to the need,” she said.

Nall highlighted listening as an essential component at all levels—whether between office staff and principals or between teachers and students. “That ‘listen’ is the accompaniment. If we’re not listening and walking with [them], we don’t know how to address the need,” she explained.

This year sees two new principals within the archdiocese: Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia Maria Christi Greve at St. James School in Elizabethtown, Kentucky; and Shelly Pence at Holy Cross High School. Sister Greve brings three decades of educational experience from various states including California, Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, and Missouri. Pence has been affiliated with Holy Cross for 14 years in roles such as assistant principal and director of corporate internship; she began her teaching career at Notre Dame Academy after graduating from Holy Cross in 1993.