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

Catholic school educators from the Archdiocese of Louisville met at St. Albert the Great Church on August 5 for a back-to-school Mass and keynote address. The event marked the start of the new academic year, with a focus on the mission of Catholic education.

Dr. F. DeKarlos Blackmon, vice chancellor for pastoral services, delivered the keynote address to teachers and administrators in attendance. He emphasized that “the primary mission” of Catholic schools is “to form disciples.”

“Catholic education is an integral component of the apostolic mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to build the kingdom of God,” Dr. Blackmon said. “Our objective is integral human development, particularly addressing the intellectual, the spiritual, the moral and the social dimensions of young people, all grounded within the context of faith.”

During his remarks, Dr. Blackmon outlined six points for educators to consider as they prepare for their work in schools this year.

He described educators as “pilgrims of hope” and referenced how the Jubilee Year of Hope is relevant to education. He told attendees that hope “is the motive that sustains you in your daily efforts” to promote human dignity in classrooms.

Dr. Blackmon also said that Catholic education should be “centered on Christ” and defined by its Catholic identity. He noted that a school’s Catholic identity “extends beyond a nominal label to express and encompass a dedicated adherence to a worldview centered on Jesus Christ.” He added that this identity should be evident both inside and outside school settings.

“The way we are in the Catholic school car line should be the way we are on the Watterson (Expressway),” he said, drawing laughter from those present.

He went on to say that Catholic schools distinguish themselves by being “animated by communion and community,” highlighting that community life remains essential within schools.

Dr. Blackmon explained that Catholic schools are “founded on a Christian anthropology,” where academic disciplines and spiritual growth are connected: classrooms reflect “the principle that grace builds upon nature.”

He encouraged teachers to model themselves after Christ: “The influence educators have on students will be shaped by their own authentically Christian lives,” he said.

Finally, Dr. Blackmon called educators to embrace “co-responsibility.” He urged everyone—from principals to new teachers—to help strengthen each school’s Catholic identity through open dialogue while avoiding gossip.

Concluding his keynote address, Dr. Blackmon told those gathered: their “mission is vital in the life of the church, in the life of the world,” before adding, “Let’s go make disciples!”