“There’s a richness in the education of the Catholic faith.” – Shana Druffner

We welcomed a large crowd to our first breakfast meeting of 2024, where Shana DeSouza Druffner, J.D., M.S. — the inaugural principal of St. Michael Academy and the newly-appointed superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Nashville — discussed the importance of Catholic education in the lives of young people.

Citing the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Shana pointed to four key purposes for Catholic schools: “Provide an atmosphere in which the Gospel message is proclaimed, community in Christ is experienced, service to our sisters and brothers is the norm, and thanksgiving and worship of God is cultivated.” She added that her focus for St. Michael Academy and for all Catholic schools in the Diocese is to foster a culture of “authentically Catholic, academically rigorous” education for every student.

Our thanks to all attendees, and a special thanks to Anna Beth Stephens Godfrey and St. Bernard Academy for sponsoring this morning’s session.