Made for greatness

This year, our schools are inspired by the profound words of Pope Benedict XVI: "The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort but for greatness." This theme, "Made for Greatness," calls each of us to rise above the ordinary, to seek excellence and to live out our God-given potential with courage and conviction. We are called to greatness in all aspects of our lives – spiritually, academically and personally.

A Growing Community

Our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are a vibrant and growing community, comprising 19 schools serving over 5,300 students. Our schools are welcoming places for all and serve a diverse student population, with 81% being Catholic and 19% non-Catholic; 38% Hispanic and 62% non-Hispanic. Additionally, we are blessed with over 600 faculty and staff who are dedicated to developing the intellectual and spiritual growth of our students.

Accessibility and excellence

We continue to be committed to our ongoing efforts to make Catholic education accessible. Last year, we announced the establishment of the Beacon of Hope Scholarship Fund, which provided $200,000 in scholarships to 283 deserving students. This scholarship option will continue, and we hope to grow it in the years to come. Additionally, we are grateful for our partnerships with organizations such as ACE Scholarships, the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Austin, Our Kids at Heart Foundation, Folds of Honor and our local parishes. These collaborations are instrumental in providing funding opportunities that make a Catholic education attainable for more families. Through the support of these organizations, last year $7.6 million dollars was awarded to 32% of our students.

Welcoming New Administrators

We are delighted to introduce two new administrators who will be joining our Catholic schools this year. Their leadership, experience and passion for education will undoubtedly enrich our community.

• Cathedral School of St. Mary in Austin welcomes Nabil Diab as their new principal. With a great passion for forming and educating our youth, Diab earned a master’s degree in education from Tarleton State University. He has taught grades first through fifth and has 20 years of experience as a principal. His approach to discipline includes counseling students from a Biblical perspective and striving to hold each student to the highest standards while recognizing their God-given talents.
• St. Joseph Catholic School in Bryan welcomes Juan Nagore as their new head of school. Nagore has worked in Catholic and private education for most of his professional career. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in education. In his career, he served as principal of a Catholic grade school in California, and in Vienna, Austria, he was a secondary principal and director of athletics and activities. In these roles, he has engaged the entire school community to collaboratively improve educational processes and facilities.
• St. Joseph Catholic Academy in Killeen welcomes Carlos Partida as their new principal. Partida has 23 years of experience in education, having served in various public-school districts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Texas and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Concordia University.

Looking forward

As we embark on this new academic year, let us embrace the call to greatness with open hearts and minds. Let us support one another in our journey of faith and learning and strive to achieve the extraordinary in all that we do. May this year be filled with growth, achievement and the joy of discovering the greatness within each of us. Welcome back, and may God bless all of us as we begin this academic school year.

For more information about Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin, or to find a Catholic school near you, visit csdatx.org.