The School Leaders' Summit, held June 22-25 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was hosted through the St. John Henry Newman Institute in collaboration with Acton. It is dedicated to renewing Catholic education at the parochial and secondary levels. The summit brings together pastors, principals and diocesan leaders from across the country to explore what it means to root Catholic schools more deeply in the Church's intellectual and spiritual tradition. 

Representing the diocese were Fathers Andrew Trapp, Raynier Dabu, Will Frei, Peter O'Steen, Khiet Pham, John Zimmerman and Andrew Fryml, along with Oratorian Father Johnni do Bonfim Silva. 

The week's focus was on deepening Catholic culture and mission within the schools while building fraternity among the priests as they discussed the shared work of shepherding diocesan schools across South Carolina. Sessions explored St. John Henry Newman's vision of education, the Church's magisterial teaching on the purpose of schooling, and practical steps pastors and principals can take to strengthen Catholic identity. The priests also attended Acton University's broader lineup of talks alongside more than 1,000 leaders from around the world. 

A highlight of the week was Father Fryml's presentation, "Reclaiming the Pastor's Role: Mapping out Magisterial Foundations, Historical Development, and Pathways to Renewal in Catholic Education," which examined the unique responsibility pastors carry in shaping the mission of parish schools. 

Beyond the formal sessions, the priests shared meals, prayer and evening hospitality each day — time that Father Fryml said was just as valuable as the lectures. Those gatherings offered a chance for fraternity and honest conversation about the joys and challenges of leading Catholic schools. 

"This is a great opportunity to strengthen the Catholic identity of our schools and be renewed in the mission of forming students in both faith and reason," Father Fryml wrote in a note to diocesan leadership after the trip. 

The diocese is grateful to Bishop Fabre and Father Gregory Wilson for their continued support of Catholic school pastors and chaplains, and to the priests who dedicated their week to this work. Their time at Acton University reflects the diocese's broader commitment to forming students in academic excellence and the fullness of the Catholic faith.