This year, our diocesan theme for Catholic schools is Walk Humbly with God, inspired by the episcopal motto of Bishop Daniel Garcia and rooted in the words of the prophet Micah: “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” (Mi 6:8) This theme invites each of us to reflect on what it means to journey faithfully with the Lord in our daily lives: in our classrooms, homes, parishes, and communities.

Catholic education is about forming the whole person. In our schools, students are encouraged to grow intellectually, spiritually, morally and socially so they may become compassionate leaders, faithful disciples and joyful witnesses to the Gospel. Humility reminds us that we are called to serve others with love, to seek wisdom with open hearts, and to place Christ at the center of all we do.

As we begin this new school year, we are also excited to welcome several new leaders who bring fresh energy, new ideas and opportunities for continued growth. We are grateful for the gifts and talents these individuals bring as they begin their ministry in Catholic education.

This year, we proudly welcome:

Maribel Robles, who holds a master’s degree from Boston College and brings 17 years of educational experience, is the new principal of San Juan Diego Catholic High School in Austin. She is a faith-filled and bilingual leader committed to academic excellence, student support and family engagement within Catholic education.

Derek Covert holds a master’s degree in theology and is an experienced Catholic executive leader with a background in church governance, mission leadership, and strategic operations. He is the new president of San Juan Diego Catholic High School in Austin and is committed to the school’s mission and long-term growth.

William Schiffiano, who holds a master’s degree with a background in executive leadership, advancement strategy and service within Catholic organizations, now serves as president of Holy Family Catholic School and St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School in Austin, bringing a strong commitment to Catholic education and mission-centered leadership.

Meghan Jackson holds a master’s degree in Montessori Education and Leadership and brings 15 years of educational experience. She serves as head of school for Light of Christ Catholic Montessori School in Austin, helping lead the school’s mission of faith-centered Montessori formation for young learners.

Betty Sierra holds a master’s degree and has more than two decades of experience in educational leadership. She serves as the principal for St. Austin Catholic School, fostering a deep commitment to Catholic education and a passion for forming the whole child.

The year ahead also marks continued growth and investment in how we support students and families throughout our diocese. We are also excited to expand our Catholic Schools Office with a new role dedicated to student services and support. This position will help our schools ensure that every child flourishes academically, spiritually and personally.

Through the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program, many families across Central Texas have received educational funding to help make Catholic education more accessible and attainable. We celebrate this blessing and the opportunities it provides for parents seeking the best educational environment for their children.

We remain committed to ensuring that finances are never a barrier for families desiring a Catholic education. In partnership with pastors, donors, schools, scholarship organizations and community supporters, we continue to seek additional funding opportunities and grow partnerships that expand accessibility and affordability for all families.

This fall, Light of Christ Catholic Montessori School will begin serving students ages 3-6 on the campus of St. John Neumann Parish in Austin. This new parochial Montessori program represents another opportunity to expand Catholic education and early childhood formation within our diocese. We are grateful to all those whose vision, prayer and dedication made this possible.

These many signs of growth and opportunity are reminders of the Lord’s abundant blessings upon the efforts carried forward by so many faithful pastors, educators, parents, parishioners, benefactors and community leaders who believe deeply in the transformative power of forming young people in faith, knowledge and virtue.

As we begin this new year, may we continue to walk humbly with God, trusting in his guidance and grace. The future of Catholic education in the Diocese of Austin is bright, and through our shared mission, we continue building strong Catholic schools and a stronger church for generations to come.

For more information about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin,

visit www.csdatx.org.