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Dear Catholic Schools Community,
There is a generous and joyful spirit that characterizes our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin, and it is in that same spirit that we find ourselves preparing for a new and exciting academic year. I am proud to be a member of this community, despite the many challenges endured last year, we remained strong in faith and united in one mission: to educate our children in wisdom and holiness. It is because of you, our parents, teachers, administrators and friends, that our schools did not miss a beat. I thank you for your commitment to forming saints and scholars, and for giving us the opportunity to be part of the journey!
It is that time of the year when we get to reflect on all the ways God has blessed our schools. This short impact report does not reflects everything we have accomplished together, but it’s a great reminder that our schools, our students, and our communities are still doing great things to raise the next generation of leaders of our church, country and our world. Once again, I thank you for trusting us with your child’s education, and we hope you enjoy this, our second annual impact report.
God bless,
Misty Poe
SuperintendentMission | By the Numbers | School Highlights | Virtual Event | Did You Know | Scholarship | Class of 2021 |
| In the News | Advisory Board | Circle of Scholars | Support |
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Our Mission
Forming Children in Wisdom and Holiness
Catholic schools offer the fullest and best opportunity to realize the four-fold purpose of Christian education, namely to provide an atmosphere where the Gospel message is proclaimed, community in Christ is experienced, service to our sisters and brothers is the norm, and thanksgiving and worship of God is cultivated
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Catholic Education by the Numbers
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5,040
Students enrolled on
opening day
(2020-2021)
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605
Faculty and staff members serving in our schools
throughout the Diocese of Austin
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75%
of our students attended class in person and 25% attended virtually for the
2020-2021 school year
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The Year for Virtual Events
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At the rise of the pandemic, many in-person events had to shift to be made available virtually, and our annual celebration of Catholic education in the Diocese of Austin was not the exception. Saints and Scholars, Celebrating Catholic Schools Dinner and Awards ceremony is held every January and is the only event in the diocese that brings together all Catholic school communities in Central Texas for a night of inspiration and celebration. This gathering also serves as an opportunity to raise funds to support tuition assistance programs in our schools. This year, the gala committee along with the Office of Catholic Schools opted to offer an evening of entertainment for the whole family and that is how the 2021 Virtual Talent Showcase was born. Sixteen talent acts from students, staff and priests, filled the evening of Jan. 21, 2021, alongside an opportunity to honor the "unsung heroes" of our community:
Thanks to your support and generosity, we raised $120,000 that went back to the schools.
Thank you for the impact you have made!
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Congratulations 2020-2021 Honorees!
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Becky Meadows
Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School, WacoKathy Coonan
Cathedral School of Saint Mary, AustinDr. Brad Bookmyer
Holy Family Catholic School, AustinLarry and Mona Lockhart
Holy Trinity Catholic High School, TempleCatherine Goerig
Sacred Heart Catholic School, LaGrangeErick and Sheena Luna
Santa Cruz Catholic School, BudaJerry Suva
St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School, Austin
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Reyna Rivera and Rebecca Soriano
San Juan Diego Catholic High School, AustinMatthew and Kathleen McCabe
St. Austin Catholic School, AustinFr. Jim McDonough, O.P.
St. Gabriel's Catholic School, AustinSister Adelaide Cannon, CSC, Sister Denise Hacket, CSC, Sister Ane Monica Nguyen, CSC, Sister Nancy Pewterbaugh, CSC
St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic School, AustinStacey Petersen
St. Helen Catholic School, GeorgetownMarvin and Elaine Welch
St. Joseph Catholic School, BryanClick here to view photos and a recorded live stream of the event
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Elva Gonzalez
St. Joseph Catholic School, Killeen
John and Alé Hamlet
St. Louis Catholic School, AustinJames and Dusti Pesl
St. Mary's Catholic School, TaylorMark Michalka and Christopher Landeros
St. Mary's Catholic School, TempleDarrin and Torie Banik
St. Mary's Catholic School, WestChris Dolce
St. Michael's Catholic Academy, AustinClare Sprinkle
St. Theresa's Catholic School, Austin
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Did You Know...?
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In 2020, our schools distributed over $7M in tuition assistance for students and families.These funds come from our annual Catholic schools gala (Celebrating Catholic Schools), the Catholic Foundation, generous benefactors, the schools' own fundraising efforts, and grants.
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This year, the Catholic Foundation distributed more than $193,000 for schools' tuition assistance programs.
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In 2020, the Office of Catholic Schools awarded $40,000 in teacher grants that will be used for curriculum, special projects and opportunities to enhance the learning experience.
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Our pastors and parishes provide much support to our Catholic Schools. They partner with us spiritually and financially, and are constantly inviting families to experience Catholic School education.
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Catholic Services Appeal Scholarship Contest
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For the second year in a row, the Office of Catholic Schools has partnered with the Catholic Services Appeal to offer a scholarship contest for Catholic school students. Last year, students were invited to share why they loved their Catholic school, and this year, it was about explaining what "Christ Makes All Things New" means to them.
Winners are awarded a tuition scholarship for that academic year.
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Scholarship Recipients
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2021 Christ Makes All Things New
PREK - 1ST GRADE
"Jesus made the night new by creating the day...Jesus made a new city for us in heaven"Christopher H. (Holy Family Catholic School, Austin)
"Christ makes me new, he changes me when I pray"Sydney H. (St. Mary's Catholic School, Temple)
2ND - 5TH GRADE
"Bless me with your trust, save my heart from rust, forgive all my sins, and bless my family and friends...Christ makes all things new, he gave his life for you"Grace K. (St. Mary's Catholic School, Taylor)
"When I think of Christ makes all things new, I think of being pure. When you're born you are pure, you're innocent...when you are baptized you have washed away from original sin at that moment."
Emma G. (Santa Cruz Catholic School, Buda)6TH - 8TH GRADE
Christ Makes All Things NewA Comic Strip
"We have free will to choose our path...the gift of salvation makes him new"Nathan N. (St. Gabriel's Catholic School, Austin)
"My art piece resembles a baby coming into the world through Christ...The baby makes it safely to her mom, and starts her new life which Christ gave to her. A blessing from heaven."Brianna Q. (Santa Cruz Catholic School, Buda)
9TH - 12TH GRADE
"All of us possess the Spirit of Christ.
It flourishes in me, and it blossoms within you, and it is with His Spirit He will avail us in making all things new.."Sofia A. (San Juan Diego Catholic High School, Austin)
"My photo shows an early morning sunrise by the pond in my neighborhood. The sunrise is the start of a new day...Jesus gives us a chance to start anew."
Trip B. (St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School, Austin)
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2020 I Love My Catholic School
PREK - 1ST GRADE
"Our faith is part of our daily life at school and at home, and we decided to make a family prayer house together with the St. Mary's School colors"Dominic H. (St. Mary's Catholic School, Taylor)
"I love my Catholic School because I get to learn about Jesus."Katherine M. (Holy Family Catholic School, Austin)
2ND - 5TH GRADE
"My teachers here really care about me, and help me succeed! I have made lots of friends here, and I know they will be friends for life."Jacob H. (Holy Family Catholic School)
"I am going to tell you a story: once upon a time there was a little girl and her little brother and their parents wanted to find the perfect school... the school's name was St. Austin Catholic School"
Layden L. (St. Austin Catholic School)6TH - 8TH GRADE
"I have felt the support, respect, and understanding in this school."Matthew R. (Santa Cruz Catholic School, Buda)
"When I was younger I just memorized prayers, now that I am older, I believe in the calming power of the rosary, and I thank God for my school"Francie S. (St. Austin Catholic School, Austin)
9TH - 12TH GRADE
"For my project, I wanted to show that we are all children of God. I decided to make a cardboard diorama of my own school. Savio! Tiny plastic babies of all colors representing the children of the Lord are glued to the exterior."Michael B. (St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School, Austin)
"I felt like Jesus was with me every step of the way. I still feel that way. In every classroom, the hallways, the cafeteria, and even the gym. My faith in God and His power has been restored thanks to my catholic school!"
Madison H. (Holy Trinity Catholic High School, Temple)Click here to learn more about the Scholarship Contest
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Congratulations Class of 2021
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326
Graduates
in the Class of 2021
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12
National Merit Scholars
2020-2021
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$32M
in scholarships offered
to our graduates
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100%
Graduation and college acceptance rate
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Catholic Schools in the News
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July 20, 2021 - Catholic education is a vocation for new assistant superintendent -
May 13, 2021 - Campaign-funded grants empower teachers, enrich student learning
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March 2, 2021 - Enrollment surges at Killeen’s Catholic school
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February 1, 2021 - Freshman leads schools’ efforts to help after hurricanes
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Fall 2020 - Reopening Catholic Schools Creating Joy
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Fall 2020 - Teaching Faithful Citizenship
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Diocesan School Advisory Board
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Members
Br. William Nick - Chair
Terry Arguello
Lisette Allen
Dr. Glenda Ballard
Rev. Chris Downey
Dr. Becky Fliss
Mary Beth Koenig
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Kelly Laster
Very Rev. James Misko
Gustavo Rodriguez
Juliana Rueda
Dr. Kevin Stuart
Deacon Ron Walker
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Circle of Scholars
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Members of the Circle of Scholars take a leadership role in advancing the mission of Catholic education in the Diocese of Austin by supporting Catholic schools. Members give $1,500 in a given year to the Catholic Services Appeal in support of Catholic Schools and/or Saints & Scholars - Celebrating Catholic Schools Dinner and Awards Ceremony.
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Craig and Rebecca Spencer
Dr. Ned Vanders
Anonymous
Chris and Kacy Dolce
Josh Simmons
Paul and Ellen Seals
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Support Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin
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Our Catholic schools, like other schools and communities, are facing unprecedented challenges from COVID-19. Now more than ever, they are in need of your support to continue providing tuition assistance opportunities for students and their families.
Give today and help us keep our doors open in the Fall of 2021 to create future leaders and saints for our church and country!
Support Catholic Schools
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