Dear Colleagues in Catholic Education,
As we conclude our time at NCEA 2025 or reflect from afar, the theme that has guided us, Be the Light, resonates beyond our days in Orlando. It is not just a call for this moment, but a charge for the road ahead.
In a world that can feel uncertain, Catholic education stands as a beacon of stability, truth and hope. Every day, Catholic school educators illuminate the minds and hearts of their students, guiding them toward knowledge, faith and a deeper relationship with Christ. To Be the Light is to recognize that, in the classroom and beyond, we carry the presence of Jesus to those entrusted to our care.
Light does more than shine—it reveals. It uncovers hidden potential in our students, sparks curiosity and encourages them to see the world through the lens of faith. In Catholic schools, this light takes many forms: the teacher who patiently nurtures a struggling learner, the administrator who leads with wisdom and compassion, the coach who instills integrity and perseverance, the student who chooses kindness in a moment that calls for it.
At NCEA 2025, we witnessed this light in countless ways—in the outstanding keynotes from Dan Fitzpatrick and Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, the enriching professional development sessions, the conversations in hallways and Exhibit Hall aisles. Most profoundly, we encountered the true light of the world in the Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith.
Now, as we return to our schools, the mission remains the same, but the renewal we experienced at Convention fuels us for what comes next. To Be the Light means carrying the hope of Christ into every classroom, every staff meeting, every interaction with a parent or student. It means showing up with faith when challenges arise, with perseverance when the work is difficult and with joy that comes from knowing we do not walk this path alone. As Pope Francis writes, “Together, we can learn from one another, warm hearts, inspire minds with the light of the Gospel, and lend new strength to our hands” (Christus Vivit, 199).
Thank you for your dedication to this mission. May the light of Christ continue to shine in you, now and always. May God bless each of you and may Our Lady shower Her blessings on our national Catholic school community.
With gratitude for all you do,
Dr. Steven F. CheesemanNCEA President/CEO