October 20, 2017

Catholic school teachers attend annual in-service day

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Sharon Roulier

WEST SPRINGFIELD – “Take a deep breath and relax.” This was the message given to diocesan educators during the annual Educators’ In-Service Day Oct. 20 at St. Thomas the Apostle School, here.

“The Benefits of Getting Back to Basics in Professional Relationships,” was the topic of the keynote address offered by Patricia Kelly, a clinical psychologist from Glen Mills, Penn., to more than 300 faculty members and administrators from Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Springfield.

The annual event is an opportunity for diocesan school personnel to be enriched, encouraged and rejuvenated in carrying out their mission.

The day began with Mass celebrated by Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski in St. Thomas the Apostle Church.

“People who are psychologically healthy are people who are able to see into the future as something that is good. And to be grateful for every day,” said Kelly, in an interview with iObserve. Kelly said that her primary message to the educators, along with taking a deep breath, would be to “listen to your heart and differentiate what is really the stirring of the spirit verses the ordinary distractions of life.”

“Very simply, to listen with the intent of understanding,” said Kelly. “Speak with the intent of being responsible for what you say, and to search for God in the midst of that dialogue or that interaction.”

Maureen Jagodowski, a veteran educator from St. John the Baptist School in Ludlow, said she enjoys coming to the in-service day each year.

“There’s always a message. It may not be throughout the entire day but there’s a message that we need to take to go back with. And sometimes it’s just you’re doing a great job. And sometimes it’s thank you very much for being here,” said Jagodowski, who teaches seventh- and eighth-graders at the school.

“I love teaching in a Catholic school,” she said. “I love the kids. I love the atmosphere. I love the fact that there is a component outside of the work. There is a faith-filled atmosphere.”

The day also included lunch and several displays by vendors of religious articles and publishing companies.

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 on WWLP-22NEWS.