Every year, from September 15 through October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month sparks vibrant celebrations across the United States. It’s a special time dedicated to honoring the diverse cultures, rich traditions and extraordinary contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. For Catholic schools, this month offers more than just a nod to diversity—it’s a unique opportunity to deepen our collective Catholic identity and build stronger connections with Hispanic and Latino families.
Today, Catholic schools find themselves at a pivotal moment. The Hispanic community is the fastest-growing group within the U.S. Catholic population, projected to become the majority by 2050 (Pew Research Center, 2023). This demographic shift isn’t just about numbers; it’s about embracing a future enriched by cultural authenticity and meaningful inclusion.
Imagine your school hallways and classrooms buzzing with energy, where every family feels valued and every child sees their heritage celebrated. Pope Leo XVI emphasized during his first speech to the crowd at St. Peter’s Basilica, “We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love.” (Leo XVI, First Address as Pope, 2025). Celebrating Hispanic heritage is precisely that—a warm embrace, an open invitation, a powerful acknowledgment of the invaluable contributions Hispanic families make to our schools and parishes.
Hispanic Heritage Month also serves as a crucial bridge, overcoming common barriers such as language differences, cultural misunderstandings and limited representation in school activities (NAEYC, 2025). When schools intentionally weave Hispanic traditions and languages into their events, classrooms and communications, they cultivate trust, strengthen family engagement and nurture genuine, Christ-centered relationships.
Catholic education, deeply rooted in the gospel’s call to celebrate God’s diverse creation, naturally aligns with embracing cultural diversity. Celebrations during Hispanic Heritage Month, such as Marian devotions to Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe or Nuestra Señora del Rosario, are not just cultural—they are profound spiritual experiences that unite communities in faith and joy. These celebrations highlight the fundamental values of family unity (familia), hospitality (hospitalidad) and solidarity (solidaridad) that are deeply ingrained in Hispanic cultures and deeply resonant with Catholic teachings.
At NCEA, we recognize the profound importance of culturally responsive practices in Catholic education. Schools that wholeheartedly embrace these practices report stronger family connections, increased student engagement and retention and overall higher satisfaction among parents and students (EdTrust, 2024).
To empower you, our Catholic school leaders and educators, NCEA is thrilled to be developing a specially crafted Hispanic Heritage Month Kit! This resource will be packed with practical tools, inspiring ideas and ready-to-use activity guides, designed to help you authentically celebrate and engage your school communities, making your celebrations both meaningful and impactful. Keep an eye on the NCEA website (www.NCEA.org/HispanicHeritage) for its upcoming release!
Ready to celebrate but wondering how? Here are some engaging ways your school can authentically honor Hispanic Heritage Month:
Host Family & Community Celebrations: Organize bilingual events, vibrant cultural fairs or captivating storytelling nights where Hispanic traditions, music, dance and food are showcased and celebrated. This fosters deep community connections and mutual appreciation
Weave an Inclusive Curriculum: Intentionally integrate the stories of Hispanic figures, saints (like St. Juan Diego or St. Rose of Lima) and contemporary leaders into your classroom lessons across all subjects. Make Hispanic contributions visible, valued and an integral part of learning all year round.
Plan Meaningful Liturgical Celebrations: Organize special Masses (perhaps with bilingual readings or music in Spanish), prayer services focusing on Hispanic saints or Marian apparitions and festive events grounded in Hispanic spiritual and cultural practices. Bring these beautiful traditions alive within your school’s faith life.
Create Welcoming Visuals & Sounds: Decorate hallways with art, flags from Hispanic countries and student work reflecting Hispanic cultures. Play uplifting Hispanic music during appropriate times to create an inviting atmosphere.
As we approach Hispanic Heritage Month, I warmly invite you—our passionate Catholic school leaders, dedicated educators and supportive friends—to join us in celebrating this vibrant occasion. Let’s seize this special time together to deepen our understanding, build stronger relationships and joyfully celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that makes our Catholic communities truly exceptional.
Together, we can create an inclusive, faith-filled environment where every person feels seen, valued and loved.
Maria Del Amois the director of Hispanic/Latino engagement for NCEA.maria@ncea.org
