CATECHETICAL WORKSHOP

The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools: A Blueprint for Culture and Practice, Arlington, Fall 2026

Name: The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools: A Blueprint for Culture and Practice, Arlington, Fall 2026
Start: 2026-11-06T08:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-11-06T14:00:00-05:00
Location: St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church

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St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church

5222 Sideburn Rd.
Fairfax, VA 22032 United States

November 6, 2026

8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Workshop Overview

Explore the essential Vatican document that articulates the Church’s vision for the identity, mission, and educational mandate of Catholic schools. Participants will discover themes such as the role of the teacher, the integration of faith and culture, and the unique partnership between parents and the Church, and leave equipped with practical tools for forming students in truth, virtue, and a living relationship with Christ.

This workshop 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 and your students grow in the spiritual life. Share best practices and enjoy catered breakfast and lunch with your fellow Diocese of Arlington teachers and catechists.

Schedule

8:00-8:30am

Breakfast and Check-In
8:30-8:45am

Program Introduction
8:45-9:15am

Opening Meditation

Reflect on your own journey of discipleship by examining and praying with a story from the Gospels.
9:15-10:00am

Holy Mass
10:00-10:45am

The Five Essential Marks of a Catholic School, Part 1

Enjoy the first presentation by a Daryl Hagan, followed by Q & A.
10:45-11:00am

Break
11:00-11:45am

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, in age-appropriate ways, to your students.
11:45-12:30pm

Lunch
12:30-1:15pm

The Five Essential Marks of a Catholic School, Part 2

Enjoy the second presentation by Daryl Hagan, followed by Q & A.
1:15-1:50pm

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.
1:50-2:00pm

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

Mark Kaschak

A former High School teacher, Mark has been with Sophia for over six years and presented at several Workshops for teachers and catechists. In addition to being a Master Teacher, he oversees the effective and useful communication of Sophia’s offerings to schools, parishes, and dioceses. Mark lives in Manchester, New Hampshire.

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 Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools: A Blueprint for Culture and Practice, Arlington, Fall 2026

Workshop Overview

Schedule

Mark Kaschak

Daryl Hagan

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The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools: A Blueprint for Culture and Practice, Arlington, Fall 2026

Workshop Overview

Schedule

Join us, and you'll receive…

Catechetical Formation

Practical Application

Spiritual Formation

Ready-to-Use Materials

Presenters

Mark Kaschak

Daryl Hagan