CATECHETICAL WORKSHOP

The Five Marks of a Catholic School: Archdiocese of Chicago Principals Retreat, February 2026

Name: The Five Marks of a Catholic School: Archdiocese of Chicago Principals Retreat, February 2026
Start: 2026-02-04T08:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-02-04T14:30:00-05:00
Location: Catholic Theological Union

format

Time

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Catholic Theological Union

5416 S Cornell Ave.
Chicago, 60615 United States

February 4, 2026

8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Retreat Overview

Archdiocese of Chicago Principals are invited to join us for a day of prayer, reflection, and formation. Explore The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools, the essential Vatican document that articulates the Church’s vision for the identity, mission, and educational mandate of Catholic schools. Contemplate themes such as the spiritual leadership of the principal, the harmony of faith and culture, and the sacred partnership between parents and the Church. Through guided reflection and shared conversation, participants will rediscover the deeper purpose of their vocation. Leave renewed in spirit and equipped with practical ways to form students in truth, virtue, and a living relationship with Christ.

This retreat blends speaker presentations with interactive sessions, giving you a chance to explore content with a respected speaker, as well as explore and simulate practical strategies to help you, your teachers, and students grow in the spiritual life. Share best practices and enjoy catered breakfast and lunch with your fellow Archdiocese of Chicago principals.

Schedule

8:30-9:00am

Breakfast and Check-In
9:00-9:15am

Program Introduction
9:15-9:45am

Explore, Encounter, Grow, & Go Scripture Reflection

Reflect on your own journey of discipleship by examining and praying with a story from the Gospels.
9:45-10:30am

The Five Essential Marks of a Catholic School, Part 1

Enjoy the first presentation by Dr. Daryl Hagan.
10:30-10:45am

Break
10:45-11:30am

Returning to the Heart of the Matter: The 5 Marks and the Kerygma

Identify the key elements of the Gospel message and how to clearly communicate them to your staff and, in age-appropriate ways, to your students.
11:30-12:15pm

Holy Mass
12:15-1:00pm

Lunch
1:00-1:45pm

The Five Essential Marks of a Catholic School, Part 2

Enjoy the second presentation by Dr. Daryl Hagan, followed by Q & A.
1:45-2:20pm

Self-Assessment and Collaboration

Identify which of the five marks your school embodies most strongly, and which represents your greatest area for growth. After sharing these reflections in a small group, discuss concrete strategies for supporting one another and strengthening these marks across your school communities.
2:20-2:30pm

Additional Resources, Evaluation

Join us, and you'll receive…

Catechetical Formation

Engaging sessions by a catechetical scholar provide background knowledge.

Practical Application

Research-based teaching strategies, and concrete tools to apply this knowledge in the classroom.

Spiritual Formation

You'll explore your vocation as a teacher, and your calling as a witness to Christ.

Ready-to-Use Materials

Receive a free supplemental guide featuring 10-12 lessons with activities and sacred art.

Presenters

Mike Gutzwiller

Mike Gutzwiller is the Senior Director of Curriculum Development for Sophia Teachers. Since joining the team at Sophia Teachers in 2015, Mike has been the primary author and editor of the Spirit of Truth K-12 and high school textbook series and has led professional development Workshops throughout the US. Mike is the former theology department chair at St. Thomas More High School in Milwaukee, WI. He earned his BA from Franciscan University of Steubenville where he majored in theology and catechetics and has an MA in school counseling from Marquette University. Mike lives with his wife and two children in Waukesha, WI.

Daryl Hagan

Dr. Hagan has served the mission of Catholic education for 40 years as a teacher, principal, superintendent, director, accreditation lead evaluator, speaker, and author. Today, Dr. Hagan serves as the Director of the Institute for the Transformation of Catholic Education at The Catholic University of America. In addition to his current role, he is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Education in the College of Arts and Sciences at The Catholic University of America, where he contributes to advancing research on the integration of faith and education. Daryl is the recipient of the NCEA 2025 President’s Award, the C. Albert Koob Merit Award, for his outstanding contribution to Catholic education across the nation. Daryl is the founding chairman of the Indiana Catholic Schools Consortium and has served as President of the Board of Directors for the Indiana Non-Public Education Association. His published research and passion is about engaging Catholic educators to promote and enhance authentic Catholic identity and school improvement. His first book, Communion and Community: 46 Ways to Engage Catholic School Faculty and Staff During the School Year, was published in 2023. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Kentucky University, an M.A. in Instructional Leadership from Western Kentucky University, an M.A. in Elementary Education from Murray State University, and a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Indiana. Daryl is married to Jill Mattingly Hagan and they have two children, Maxx and Maggie; a daughter-in-law, Lauren; and three grandchildren, Lily, John, and Thomas.

The Five Marks of a Catholic School: Archdiocese of Chicago Principals Retreat, February 2026

Retreat Overview

Schedule

Mike Gutzwiller

Daryl Hagan

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The Five Marks of a Catholic School: Archdiocese of Chicago Principals Retreat, February 2026

Retreat Overview

Schedule

Join us, and you'll receive…

Catechetical Formation

Practical Application

Spiritual Formation

Ready-to-Use Materials

Presenters

Mike Gutzwiller

Daryl Hagan