Rooted in a shared belief in our mission and in one another, nearly 4,000 Catholic education leaders convened for the NCEA 2026 Convention & Expo, Believe, April 7–9, in Minneapolis. Held in partnership with the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, the event took place at the Minneapolis Convention Center, a 1.6-million-square-foot venue in the heart of downtown.
Drawing participants from across the United States and around the world —including Puerto Rico, Belize, Japan, Canada, and the Philippines—the Convention is one of the largest convenings of Catholic school educators in the country, with a history dating back to 1904. As NCEA President/CEO Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman noted, “This annual gathering is a vibrant expression of our shared belief in the promise of Catholic education.”
This year’s Convention marked the largest NCEA gathering since before the COVID-19 pandemic and coincided with the 175th anniversary of the local archdiocese, which serves more than 30,000 students and families through its schools.
On the eve of the Convention, distinguished honorees and their guests, including proud colleagues, longtime friends, and families, assembled for the NCEA President’s Reception and Dinner. Fifteen exceptional educators and leaders received Lead. Learn. Proclaim. and President’s Awards. NCEA recognized a diverse group of leaders who made meaningful impact in their communities. As these presidents, pastors, higher education leaders, diocesan and school administrators, and teachers crossed the ballroom stage, there were shared moments of gratitude, standing ovations, and many loud, unapologetic cheers!
The passion of the evening spilled into the opening of the convention the next day, where Dr. Cheeseman’s characteristic humor welcomed the audience, with a message of inspiration and his authentic belief in Catholic schools.
The NCEA President’s Reception and Dinner celebrated the honorees of both the Lead. Learn. Proclaim. (LLP) and President’s Awards. Photos by Lifetouch.
Bishop Cozzens delivered his opening keynote to nearly 4,000 attendees.
In his keynote address centered on the heart’s need for beauty, Bishop Andrew Cozzens, S.T.D., D.D., of the Diocese of Crookston called Catholic school educators and parents to accompany their students to a deeper encounter with God—a call already made visible in the lives and work of the honorees recognized the night before.
Among the more than 270 speakers was fourth-grade teacher April Moore, presenting at NCEA for the third time. Participants engaged in more than 180 professional learning sessions about leadership, whole child education, school sustainability, instructional excellence, meeting the needs of all students, and formation—offering something for classroom teachers, campus ministers, counselors, advancement and marketing directors, site administrators, system leaders, pastors, and board members.
Reflecting on the experience, Moore shared, “The entire NCEA Convention was an incredibly uplifting experience and sharing my ‘Mic Drop Moments’ session on student engagement ignited a renewed passion to return to the classroom and do even more for my students.” She added that the Convention, “anchored in our shared faith and the powerful call to ‘Believe,’ reminds us of our ultimate mission: to cultivate an environment where every child is empowered to truly believe in themselves and their God-given potential.”
Beyond the sessions, the Expo Hall blended joy and local tradition, highlighted by the return of the puppies—a crowd favorite—and a live butter sculptor crafting Pope Leo XIV in butter, a nod to Minnesota’s State Fair heritage. There were a variety of receptions hosted by NCEA corporate sponsors, fostering relationshipbuilding across the hall. At NCEA Central, attendees viewed presentations from NCEA staff and connected with favorite NCEA authors during book signings. With nearly 200 corporate partners and vendors, the Expo Hall offered spaces for connections, discovery and moments of laughter.
Leaders came together throughout the week, both formally and informally, through gatherings such as the Superintendent’s Lunch, where system and diocesan teams connected, and the biannual Catholic Higher Education Supporting Catholic Schools (CHESCS) meeting, which brought together Catholic college and university leaders—many of whom also served as session speakers.
At the center of each day was the celebration of the liturgy, presided over by the Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis; the Most Reverend Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., Archbishop of Atlanta and Chair of the NCEA Board; and the Most Reverend Thomas R. Zinkula, DD, J.D., J.C.L., Archbishop of Dubuque and NCEA Board Member. The reverence of thousands gathered to celebrate the Eucharist can bring tears to the eyes. The voices of student-led choirs, the presence of nearly three dozen clergy, and the prayer of the assembly rising as one create a moment that lives on—softly reaching the heart in a way few experiences do.
Gerry Kulzer sculpted a bust of Pope Leo XIV from a block of butter.
The Expo Hall highlighted partners, programs, products, and puppies.
More than 180 professional development sessions were offered.
NCEA Central showcased the latest publications, merch, and updates.
Sr. Mary Grace, SV, closed NCEA 2026 with a powerful keynote.
The final day turned toward reflection and encouragement, as keynote speaker Sr. Mary Grace, SV, of the Sisters of Life, reminded attendees of the quiet but powerful impact of their work. Her smile lit up the stage, “(Students) need a real person of the world, just like you, in their real world, in their normal life, showing up day after day, who refuses to give up on the goodness in them,” she shared, affirming the daily witness of Catholic school educators. A native of Sydney, Australia, Sr. Mary Grace serves as the evangelization mission coordinator in Denver, where she continues her ministry of accompaniment and hope.
“You may not see the impact of your work … but God sees it, and He sees every act of love,” she said—a reminder that the mission continues in the quiet, faithful work of each day.
NCEA gratefully acknowledges corporate partners, board members, registrants, speakers, and the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, especially their planning committee, for their exceptional hospitality and generous support.
Looking ahead, NCEA 2027: Bridge Builders, will take place March 30–April 1, 2027, in Indianapolis. This Convention will mark a historic milestone with the inaugural Catholic School of Distinction Award, honoring schools that exemplify excellence in Catholic education.
For those who missed the Convention—or wish to continue the experience— NCEA’s summer professional learning lineup will feature many speakers from NCEA 2026, carrying the spirit of the Convention beyond Minneapolis into the daily, faithful work of Catholic education.
Laura MacDonaldis the vice president of content and program development for NCEA.Laura@ncea.org