October 31, 2026

Catholic school teachers gather for professional development

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Josh Mitchell

Bishop William D. Byrne celebrated Mass for Catholic school teachers at Professional Development Day, Friday, Oct. 30 at Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD — Dozens of teachers from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Springfield attended Professional Development Day at Pope Francis Preparatory School, Friday, Oct. 30. This was a day where the teachers were the ones coming together to learn. St. Michael’s Academy grade three teacher Julie Morrill said this event helps her connect with other teachers.

“It is refreshing because we get together with people we don’t really get to see very often. We see our staff members every day of course. But then there is not a lot of opportunity to see other teachers, because we are all teaching at the same time,” Morrill said.

The day began with Mass celebrated by Bishop William D. Byrne. During his homely, he spoke about the important role teachers have in helping shape the souls of their students.

“We just don’t educate the mind and the body. Catholic education is also to develop the soul of a kid and help them get to heaven. That is our job. That is why we are in the school business, not just academics but spiritual growth,” Bishop Byrne said.

After Mass, Conventual Franciscan Father Brad Milunski, the pastor and rector of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr in Chicopee, gave his keynote speech to the teachers. He touched on the purpose of being a Catholic educator and why it is important to remember that purpose.

“The teachers are so key to giving students hope and giving them a sense of direction. We always believe parents are the primary teachers of the children, but we all know that some families struggle in different ways. But the teachers continue to be a sign of hope. I think that is what they need to remind themselves of every time they get up in the morning and come into school.” Father Milunski said.

After the talk, the teachers broke off into smaller groups for further discussion.  

“We get to recognize that ‘Hey I’m not alone in this. You’re going through a lot of the same things I am.’ We are all doing it for a good reason. Let’s remind each other of that reason,” Morrill said.

Morrill said she really enjoys teaching at St. Michael’s Academy.

“I love being able to get to know the students and helping them have moments of learning that they really didn’t expect. Wherever they are and at whatever level they are on, I love to help find some place that they have grown. Even if it is little, I love celebrating the wins with them,” Morrill said.

Superintendent of Catholic Schools for Diocese of Springfield, Maria Wagner, said she is truly appreciative for the hard work and dedication that goes into being a teacher at a Catholic school. She said it takes some truly special people to teach the future generations of Catholics.

“I want to thank them for saying yes, because we need great teachers in our classrooms. I want to thank them all. I want to inspire them to continue doing a good job and to see every child as a child of God,” Wagner said.

A video version of this story will be featured on “Real to Reel,” which temporarily airs Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. on WWLP-22NEWS.