Pulchrum: Beauty in the Life of the Catholic Classical Educator

Catholic philosophy and classical education both put great emphasis on the transcendentals.  The Catechism explains that “the practice of goodness is accompanied by spontaneous spiritual joy and moral beauty. Likewise, truth carries with it the joy and splendor of spiritual beauty. Truth is beautiful in itself” (CCC 2500, emphasis added). Meanwhile, many classical schools go so far as to put “truth, goodness, and beauty” in their motto or mission.  At the same time, we find ourselves in the modern world often needing to “lead with beauty,” for, as Bishop Barron – following Von Balthsasar – explains, “initiating the theological project with truth or goodness tends to be a nonstarter, since relativism and skepticism in regard to those transcendentals [are] powerful.” If no one agrees on what is true and everyone disagrees about what the right thing to do is, perhaps we can agree on what is beautiful.

In the light of these reflections, the 2025 Conference on Catholic, Classical Education leads its exploration of the transcendentals with a look at Beauty first.  This gathering offers collegial investigation and articulation of principles and practices in the life of K-12 Catholic classical educators (teachers, coaches, administrators, parents, etc.) to inspire, revitalize, and embolden attendees to teach with their Catholic faith at the center of their craft.  This year’s conference will ask some of the following questions: How can the Catholic faith in conversation with classical pedagogy shed light on new approaches to beauty and the teaching of beauty? How can beautiful art, beautiful architecture, and beautiful icons assist the Catholic classical educator in calling students to the fullness of God’s reality?  How can the subject of beauty guide pedagogy or management in Catholic classes and schools? Should we lead with beauty in our schools? All who wish to participate in this conversation with their own work should submit a paper proposal (150-300 words) to Dr. Tyler Graham at [email protected].

For the conference landing page, please click here.