Former UST president to keynote Oct. 24 ‘A Pattern of Hope’ benefit luncheon

Archbishop Emeritus J. Michael Miller, CSB, former archbishop of Vancouver, will speak at the 2025 "A Pattern of Hope" Luncheon on Oct. 24. (CNS photo/Ben Nelms)HOUSTON — “A Pattern of Hope,” a luncheon that benefits tuition assistance for students attending Catholic elementary schools in Galveston-Houston, will be Friday, Oct. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Junior League of Houston, located 1811 Briar Oaks Ln. in Houston.

Archbishop Emeritus J. Michael Miller, CSB, who recently retired from leading the Archdiocese of Vancouver for more than 16 years, will present the keynote at the event.  
Archbishop Miller was ordained to the episcopacy and appointed by St. John Paul II as Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education at the Vatican in 2004, serving as secretary until 2007. 

Archbishop Miller is no stranger to the city of Houston, as he served as the seventh president of the University of St. Thomas (UST) in Houston from 1997 to 2004, prior to his Vatican appointment. 

During his tenure, he contributed as a board member to academic and social organizations, such as the Association of Texas Colleges and Universities, the Mental Health Association of Greater Houston, the Houston World Affairs Council, the Houston Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars. 

Entering the Congregation of St. Basil in 1965, he was ordained a priest by St. Paul VI on June 29, 1975, in Rome. 

Ahead of the “A Pattern of Hope” event, Archbishop Miller, who lectures and writes on the papacy and Catholic education, shared with the Texas Catholic Herald his insights into the importance of a Catholic education, providing a glimpse into his upcoming address: 

What will be the focus of your talk for the luncheon, A Pattern of Hope?
The focus of my talk will be on the value and importance to the family and community of primary and secondary Catholic education. 
Increasingly, given the secularization of society, we need to provide an education for our children that conveys the beauty of the Gospel and the need to acquire a Catholic “world view.”

You are known for your writings and work within Catholic education. What do you believe is the value of Catholic education?
Catholic education is about shaping and molding the hearts and minds of young people so that they can experience and encounter Jesus, the Master Teacher, and His Gospel. It also prepares students to make their unique contributions to the social and ecclesial communities to which they belong.  

What do you hope attendees will take away from your keynote?
My hope for them is that they come away confirmed in their vocation of being educators who are entrusted with the future of the Church and society. All those engaged in Catholic education need to be affirmed, thanked, and praised for their generous and often sacrificial contributions.

How can a Catholic education improve a student's faith journey?
A good Catholic education presents Jesus Christ in an attractive and life-giving way as Lord and Savior. Every faith journey must be focused on friendship with Him. Catholic education provides the environment and instruments whereby this friendship is nurtured.

In today’s world, what should those who serve in Catholic education emphasize to empower students to be faithful Catholics and disciples of Christ who will dedicate their lives to providing service to others?
Effective Catholic education depends on emphasizing the attractiveness of Jesus Christ and the beauty of the Gospel, both of which are the foundation of a truly fulfilling life. This requires touching the hearts of students through evangelization and the heads of students through catechesis and academic rigor in their studies. More than ever, disciples are called to be friends of Jesus who are missionary disciples capable of presenting to others the reasons why they believe.

What do you believe is important to Catholic education?
I think it is always helpful to remind ourselves that Catholic education is not about ensuring that catechism or religion is taught as a subject. It is about fostering a “Catholic mindset” across the curriculum, so that one’s piety is integrated into daily life and into the culture students are engaged in. We hope that the faith taught will help the young to transform the culture in light of the truths of the Gospel, which brings authentic liberation.

Archbishop Miller currently serves on the board of directors of UST, the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, and the editorial committee of International Commission on English in the Liturgy. He has published seven books and received seven honorary doctorates. 

To learn more and register for “A Pattern of Hope,” visit www.choosecatholicschools.org/pattern.