SSJs Shaping Catholic Education

Sisters Carol Cimino and Melissa Gernon at the National Catholic Education Convention

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester continue to play an active role in shaping the future of Catholic education.

From April 6–9, Sisters Carol Cimino and Melissa Gernon joined thousands of Catholic educators at the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As one of the largest gatherings of private-education professionals in the nation, the convention brings together Catholic and other faith-based educators from across the United States, Canada, and beyond to exchange ideas and explore innovative research and emerging technologies in education.

Sister Carol, a national education consultant, was among more than 100 presenters at the event. Her presentation, “Meet the Parents,” focused on strategies for helping educators and parents better align family expectations with school goals, supporting student success while easing some of the pressures faced by teachers.

Sister Melissa, who leads the Catholic Identity Committee at Nazareth Elementary School, attended several sessions aligned with her ongoing work of strengthening and maintaining the school’s Catholic identity.

The annual convention opened with a liturgy celebrated by Bishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul. The keynote address was delivered by Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota. In addition to the many presentations, more than 100 exhibitors showcased services and resources designed to support the nearly 6,000 Catholic schools across the United States that the NCEA serves.