Future of Catholic education filled with promise

It is with much excitement and anticipation that I begin the ministry of superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. As a Catholic educator, I believe that, along with parents as the primary teachers, an authentically Catholic school embedded in strong academics fosters happy, self-confident children, strong in their faith. Together, we can ensure this for our children. 

There is great promise in the future of Catholic education in the archdiocese. We are blessed to have Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who works diligently in full support of our Catholic school ministry. Working by his side are the many dedicated parents, pastors, teachers, administrators and students who love Catholic schools for the values they instill and the academics they foster. By working together, bound by the Spirit, we will continue to offer the standard of education that has come to be expected by our families.

As I begin this ministry as superintendent, I want you to know that I am guided by great faith and hope for strong Catholic education throughout our family of schools. I have faith in parents, the primary teachers of the Catholic faith, and I have faith that our schools can build on the teachings learned and modeled in the home and in the parish community. I have faith in the power of relationships, and I know that Catholic education is at its best when the school and parents work together for the betterment of the child. Together, as a community, I have faith that we can work to ensure that each student is treated as a sacred child of God. I have faith that we can work together so that each child is surrounded by others who model the way of Christ.

I have great hope for Catholic education. I have hope that our schools can foster happy, self-confident children who will grow academically, morally, socially and spiritually. I have hope because I know we offer a strong curriculum, with faith-based programs that are constantly changing to prepare our students to live the faith throughout their lives. I have hope because we have the ability to use research-based data, constantly prioritizing what we teach, redefining the techniques we use to teach it and monitoring the information to make relevant, positive changes in our schools. I have hope because my time in the archdiocese as a teacher and administrator has afforded me the opportunity to build the relationships needed to work with faculty and community members on the implementation of programs that will foster academic achievement while developing lifelong learners grounded in our beautiful Catholic tradition.

I do have great faith and hope for our Catholic schools. Most importantly, I have a great love for Catholic education. Education is not only my profession; it is my passion and my ministry. It is an honor and privilege to give back in service to the Archdiocese of New Orleans. With faith and hope, I look forward to working with all of you in the ministry I truly love.