Dear Friends in Catholic Education,
The world in which we live is experiencing change at a pace unlike any we have known before. In many ways, it mirrors the dramatic shifts of the Industrial Revolution, when the cotton gin transformed agriculture, the telephone redefined communication, and the miracle of flight reshaped human possibility. Today, we find ourselves in the midst of another revolution, one driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and technological innovation, that will profoundly influence our children’s future.
In this moment of transformation, Catholic education has never been more essential. Ours is a mission not only of academic excellence but of forming hearts and minds rooted in faith. We are called to be builders of bridges, bridges of understanding, of dialogue, of human connection.
We must be intentional in fostering genuine encounters with one another. In an age when it is tempting to send an email or a text, I encourage our schools to pick up the phone or, better yet, sit face-to-face. Invite others to the table, especially those with whom you disagree or who carry a grievance. Ask, “Help me to understand,” and listen to their story. AI may analyze data, but it cannot feel compassion, extend forgiveness, or offer the healing presence that human connection provides.
There is one thing AI will never generate: our faith. Faith is not programmed; it is lived. It springs from the human heart and is nurtured by divine love. That love is what strengthens the bridges we build, enabling them to endure the storms, trials, and challenges of life. If our bridges are constructed from faith, hope, and love, they will stand firm, as St. Paul reminds us: “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).
As we navigate this new technological era, we would do well to remember the words of Pope Leo XIV: “Communication is not only the transmission of information, but it is also the creation of a culture.” Every conversation, every act of listening, and every moment of respectful dialogue shapes the culture we live in and pass on to our children. In Catholic education, that culture must be one of Christ-centered encounter, dialogue, compassion, and Truth.
We must hold fast to our humanity. We must hold our students, our teachers, and ourselves accountable, not only for knowledge gained, but for relationships formed and communities strengthened. Let us seek out the perspectives of parents, parish leaders, and one another through dialogue, surveys, and shared reflection, so we remain attentive to the voices of those we serve.
May this year be one in which we build bridges that unite rather than divide, that reflect our Catholic identity, and that lead us ever closer to Christ. Let us embrace innovation without losing sight of the eternal truth: our calling to love God and one another.
Peace,
Val Mara
Val Mara is the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Hartford
The above article was first published August 18, 2025 by the Archdiocese of Hartford.