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St. John Neumann Parish in Austin has experienced steady growth in young families in recent years, and that growth has helped inspire a new educational initiative. Light of Christ Catholic Montessori School will open on the parish campus in mid-August, offering a faith-centered Montessori environment designed to support the physical, social-emotional, and spiritual development of young children.

Classrooms. Gymnasiums. Libraries. Offices. These are all commonly found in schools everywhere, but two Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin have recently added something new to their campuses: prayer spaces. Available for faculty, staff and students to use, these sacred spaces are proving quite popular.

(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced today that applications for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program will be extended through 11:59 p.m. CT, March 31.

(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced today that more than 42,000 students applied for Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) on Feb. 4, the first day of the program’s launch. The total represents a nationwide record for most enrollments for day one of a new school choice program, surpassing Tennessee’s 33,000 student applications in 2025.

(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced today the successful launch of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program. Shortly after noon, more than 20,000 students had applied for the largest year-one school choice initiative in the nation, including nearly 8,000 in the first hour.

The annual Saints & Scholars Gala is once again poised to shine a bright spotlight on the transformative power of Catholic education across the Diocese of Austin. On January 17, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Austin, educators, families, community leaders, and benefactors will gather for an evening that celebrates mission, honors service, and strengthens access to Catholic schools throughout Central Texas.

(AUSTIN) — Acting Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock today announced the adoption of final administrative rules (PDF) governing the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, the education choice initiative enacted by the Texas Legislature earlier this year in Senate Bill (SB) 2. Rules were formally filed today with the Texas Secretary of State and will become effective 20 days from filing.

The conversation around education in Texas has reached a pivotal moment with the introduction of the state’s school choice program: Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA). This initiative recognizes what the Catholic Church has always affirmed: parents are the first and primary educators of their children, and every family deserves the ability to choose the learning environment that best nurtures their child’s growth.

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) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock today announced the formal name for Texas’ school choice program — Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) — and the selection of Odyssey as the certified educational assistance organization that will help launch the program. The announcement marks two major steps toward rolling out the largest school choice initiative in the nation, set to begin in the 2026-27 school year.

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.

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.