Dear Colleagues in Catholic Education,
On July 4, 2026, our nation marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Anniversaries invite us to look back with gratitude and forward with hope. We think of the founders of our nation and the vision they carried for a future they would never fully see. Their journey was not without challenges or uncertainty, yet they moved forward with hope for a future they believed was worth building.
That same spirit of hope has always been present in Catholic education. Catholic schools have shaped millions of lives and strengthened communities, becoming an enduring part of the American story. For nearly 125 years, NCEA has walked alongside Catholic school communities in this important work. Together, educators, leaders, clergy, and families have formed young people in faith, knowledge, and service. We are the beneficiaries of their vision and sacrifice. They believed in the transformative power of Catholic education, and it is our responsibility to carry that hope forward for those who will come after us.
This issue of Momentum highlights many stories centered on early childhood education. Few places embody hope more beautifully than an early childhood classroom. Spend time with our youngest learners and you will witness their joy, curiosity, and wonder. Just as inspiring are the teachers who accompany them. These educators understand that the seeds they plant today may not fully bloom for years, yet they approach each day with confidence and hope, trusting that God is at work in every child.
The prophet Isaiah offers a powerful reminder: “They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Hope allows us to remain confident that God is present and active in our work, even when the path ahead is not fully clear. Hope is the source of the strength that sustains us in our vocation.
In June, NCEA released the 2026 Impact Summary, highlighting the many ways our association is engaging, empowering, and inspiring Catholic school communities across the country. Within it, you will find examples of how NCEA is supporting educators and leaders through advocacy, professional development, research, member engagement, and national gatherings. I encourage you to download the report and reflect on the ways our shared mission continues to grow and flourish.
The future of Catholic education remains bright because our hope is placed in the Lord who renews our strength. Let us honor the hopes of those who came before us and invest in the students entrusted to us today. May we never grow weary in this mission, trusting that the Lord will sustain us and help us soar on eagles’ wings.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman
President/CEO
National Catholic Educational Association
Download the 2026 NCEA Impact Summary:
www.NCEA.org/2026-Impact
