G.R.A.C.E. Colloquium helps shape the future of Catholic education

04 Sep 2026

By The Record

Researchers and practitioners from The University of Notre Dame Australia recently shared their expertise on the international stage at the third Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education (G.R.A.C.E.) Colloquium, held at Boston College in the United States.

The international gathering brought together almost 200 Catholic educators, school leaders, researchers and sector representatives from more than 20 countries to explore the theme Cultivating Hearts & Minds: Formative Education in Catholic Schools.

Presentations highlighted the role Catholic institutions can play in the holistic experience – blending intellectual with moral and faith-driven formation.

Dr John Topliss, Managing Director, Catholic Institute Western Australia; Laura Avery, Director, Global Centre for Catholic Leaders at the University of Notre Dame Australia; Sharon Law-Davis, Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Notre Dame Australia and Professor Richard Rymarz - University of Notre Dame Australia. Photo: Supplied/UNDA.
Dr John Topliss, Managing Director, Catholic Institute Western Australia; Laura Avery, Director, Global Centre for Catholic Leaders at the University of Notre Dame Australia; Sharon Law-Davis, Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Notre Dame Australia and Professor Richard Rymarz – University of Notre Dame Australia. Photo: Supplied/UNDA.

Academics from the Faculty of Education, Philosophy and Theology represented Notre Dame at the colloquium, highlighting the University’s ongoing contribution to research, leadership and innovation in Catholic education.

The University has a longstanding connection with the G.R.A.C.E. network. Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus hosted the inaugural colloquium in 2023, helping establish what has become a growing international forum for Catholic educators, researchers and leaders worldwide.

Melbourne Archdiocesan Catholic Schools’ Lisa Heffernan and UNDA’s Professor Richard Rymarz presented the research supported by UNDA examining the faith formation of teachers in Melbourne Archdiocesan Catholic Schools. Photo: Supplied/UNDA.

The 2026 event reinforced the value of global collaboration in advancing research, sharing best practice and shaping the future of Catholic education.

Among the many presenters was doctoral student Marsha Van Cylenberg who presented What Works in Religious Education? Teachers’ Perspectives on Effective Pedagogy in Years 5 and 6 in the Catholic School.

Global Centre for Catholic Leaders (GCCL) Director, Laura Avery, joined the G.R.A.C.E. Steering Committee, helping guide future collaboration and research initiatives ahead of the next international gathering, expected to take place in 2028.

Senior Lecturer Sharon Law-Davis was also involved with the 2026 organising committee.

Ms Law-Davis said the event demonstrated the strength of the international Catholic education community.

“It was a wonderful conference with a great spirit of collegiality, a willingness to share research and practice, and encouragement for those working in the field,” she said.

“It is a great forum for testing and expanding ideas while discussing the future of Catholic education and our shared mission in the life of the Church.”

The colloquium provided an opportunity for participants from around the world to share research, exchange ideas and consider the future of Catholic education and its mission in an increasingly complex global environment.