News - Home RSS Feed

The challenges of teacher retention can be felt in schools all over the country, whether they are Catholic, public, or charter. In the Diocese of Austin, we are tackling this challenge by infusing collaboration and support through the Classroom Learning Lab. The Classroom Learning Lab (CLL) brings a cohort of teachers together each year to observe each other’s teaching, self-reflect on their instructional practices, and participate in collegial discussions as a reminder that we are not alone as Catholic school educators.

Austin, TX — The Diocese of Austin Catholic Schools Office is committed to supporting families as they consider the new Texas School Choice program, known as the Education Savings Account (ESA). This state program, set to launch in the 2026–2027 school year, will provide eligible families with $10,000 per student, per year to cover approved educational expenses.

In an earlier blog post in this faith-formation series, I presented a challenge to PK–12 Catholic school educators. The challenge is to implement a discipling model of education and formation in Catholic schools. The word, “discipling,” is a verb that means to mentor someone who desires to become a disciple of Jesus.

As we welcome the 2025–2026 school year across the Diocese of Austin, our hearts are filled with hope, excitement, and a deep sense of purpose.

We’re proud to share that St. Joseph Catholic School, Bryan, TX is featured in the latest issue of the National Catholic Educational Association's Momentum Magazine! This special highlight recognizes the incredible impact of Catholic education in the Brazos Valley and the strong faith-filled community at St. Joseph.

Most Reverend Garcia will be the sixth bishop of Austin. The installation date will be announced at a later time.

Congratulations, Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School for being voted Best Preschool, Best Private Elementary School, Best Private High School in the Best of Waco awards hosted by the WACOAN!

Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your journey! As you graduate from our Catholic schools, know that you are stepping forward not only with knowledge but also with a foundation of faith, integrity and mission.

When Anne Marie and Tom McNew asked the Blessed Virgin Mary if they should pursue their dream of a Catholic radio station in Central Texas, she responded “Yes, stop asking me and get busy!” she said in a “drill sergeant tone.” And busy they have been ever since.

Lent is traditionally a time when we give things up, but for fifth graders at St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School in Austin, Lent is about using their time and talents to walk with Jesus. It all started a few years ago when fifth-grade teacher Terry Ryan taught about the Stations of the Cross and had his students re-create the city of Jerusalem. It was such a success that they are building it again this year.

Editor’s note: This issue of the Catholic Spirit went to press before March 25. As the Diocese of Austin bids farewell to Bishop Joe Vásquez on March 25, many questions have arisen. Who will lead the diocese until a new bishop is appointed? How long will it take to name a new bishop? What we do know is that the process of selecting candidates for the episcopacy involves consultation, discussion and prayer. It is a process governed by strict confidentiality and involves several key individuals, including the apostolic nuncio and the Congregation for Bishops, with the final decision resting with Pope Francis.

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin have embraced the inspiring theme “Made for Greatness” for the 2024–2025 academic year. As described by Pope Benedict XVI, “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort; you were made for greatness.” This quote encapsulates a call to purpose that challenges Catholics to live beyond ordinary standards, striving for a higher calling that reflects Christ’s mission. Pope Benedict’s words are a reminder that each person is endowed with unique gifts meant to serve both God and others. The path to greatness isn’t about fame or success, but about dedicating oneself to faith and service, following Christ’s example

Each January, supporters of our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin come together to celebrate the goodness and beauty of Catholic schools and to recognize the unsung heroes at each school who tirelessly support the school’s mission. This event is also an opportunity to raise tuition assistance funds, 100% of which goes back to our schools.

The Encountering Christ Capital Campaign was the Diocese of Austin’s commitment to fulfilling the mission to create a path for enriching discipleship within the diverse ministries of our communities. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are one of the many ministries that will continue to benefit from the capital campaign for years to come. The Beacon of Hope Endowment was begun using money set aside from the Encountering Christ Campaign with a specific purpose of providing tuition assistance for families who would otherwise struggle to provide their children with a Catholic education.

The seven themes of Catholic social teaching are core components within the religion curriculum of Catholic schools throughout our country. But how do we integrate these components into an intentional series of lived experiences for our students so they will become more engaged, compassionate servant leaders after their time with us? Two years ago, the Office of Catholic Schools began designing social teaching experiences that build on one another throughout the years students are in Catholic schools. This alignment of experiences is an ongoing and ever-developing project that has allowed our diocese to create a Catholic social teaching vision for our students.

As the new academic year kicks off, we welcome back our students, dedicated faculty and supportive families to our Catholic schools. I always enjoy new school years, as it is a time of renewed enthusiasm, fresh beginnings, and a reaffirmation of our commitment to providing an exceptional Catholic education rooted in faith, service and community.

As the dog days of summer begin to dwindle and we start planning for our fall activities (and the early return of our favorite fall coffee flavors), it’s a great opportunity to take some time to plan for our family’s future as well. August is National Make-A-Will Month. No matter where we are in our life journey, it’s never too early to start planning, so if you have not created a will yet, perhaps this is a good time to begin the process or update an existing will.

St. Augustine of Canterbury, colloquially known as St. Austin, once said, “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” Perhaps these words echoed in the minds of parishioners at St. Austin Parish in Austin eight years ago as they undertook a multi-million-dollar project to build a new school and parish facilities.

The cornerstone of our faith is Jesus’ true presence in the Eucharist. Melissa Kirking, the coordinator of Children’s Adoration at St. William Parish in Round Rock, is passionate about helping children realize the True Presence. So much so, she recently spearheaded a fascinating exhibit at St. William Parish.

Being honored and awarded is something even the humblest of recipients appreciate. When that honor is peer-driven and nominated by coworkers, it’s even more special. That’s where St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School teacher Alanna Heyl recently found herself after being named one of two Teachers of the Year by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (www.txcatholic.org). She was nominated for the award by Principal Evan Pscencik and Assistant Principal Patrick Goetz and was somewhat shocked to hear of the honor.