WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 15,000 delegates and exhibitors attended the 101st annual convention and exposition of the National Catholic Educational Association in Boston, April 13 to 16.

The theme was “Heritage and Hope: Faithful Past, Faith-Filled Future.”

The convention marked the end of the association’s centennial observance that began with the annual convention in St. Louis, Mo., last April.

The convention featured general sessions and liturgies, departmental meetings, development sessions, technology sessions, presentations and workshops dealing with special interests for school board members, directors of religious education, parents, pastors, principals and teachers.

Keynote addresses were given by the Most Reverend Sean Patrick O’Malley, archbishop of Boston; Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, author, sociologist and Harvard University professor; and Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, president of Catholic Charities of Boston and secretary of social services for the Archdiocese of Boston.

Valerie Ouellette, Lewiston, prekindergarten teacher at St. Peter and Sacred Heart School of Auburn, gave a presentation on “Preschool: Curriculum and Themes.”

The 13th annual National Association of Parish Coordinators and Directors of Religious Education convocation met in Boston concurrent with the NCEA convention. Parish catechetical leaders and coordinators of religious education gathered for workshops, prayer and fellowship.

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