Mia Smothers, Ezequiel Ponce, Micah Alcisto, Elise Wing, and Chris Pantelakis, and moderator Katie McGrady, right, take a selfie with Pope Leo XIV during a live digital encounter at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 21, 2025.
Photo courtesy of Katie McGrady
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN – Five young people, including Catholic school students, were invited to participate in a “digital dialogue” with Pope Leo XIV during a livestream from Lucas Oil Stadium the morning of November 21 at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC).
Mia Smothers (Archdiocese of Baltimore), Ezequiel Ponce (Archdiocese of Los Angeles), Elise Wing (Archdiocese of Dubuque), Christopher Pantelakis (Archdiocese of Las Vegas), and Micah Alciso (Diocese of Honolulu) had the opportunity of a lifetime to interact with the pontiff, who encouraged them and the 15,000 young people in attendance to embrace the spirit of community, dialogue, and discipleship. He reminded them of their earthly call “to be missionary disciples.”
The chant of “We love Leo” rang through the stadium as the throng stood together in faith and friendship, supporting one another and showing the world that we should seek to encounter Christ in all we do.
Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Mahtomedi, MN – Veterans were top of mind at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School this past Veterans’ Day. Responding to a call for help from a 2022 St. Jude grad, students jumped at the chance to help. Marco Aurelio Conde, was completing his Eagle Scout project to deliver cards to veterans to thank them for their service. Marco partnered with Stars for Our Troops, a non-profit organization that takes stars from discarded American flags and gives them to veterans. Marco collected over 700 thank notes that he paired with the stars and the Stars for Our Troops greeting: “I am part of our American flag that has flown over the USA. I can no longer fly. The sun and winds caused me to become tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that You are not forgotten.”
Photo courtesy of St. Jude School
Minneapolis, MN – Cheers and prayers of thanksgiving were plentiful as two students from Annunciation Catholic School hit milestones. Sophia Forchas and Lydia Kaiser were released from the hospital and are ready to rejoin their school community. Sophia and Lydia were injured during the tragic violence while celebrating the new school year at Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church.
Sophia ForchasPhoto courtesy of The Catholic Spirit, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Lydia KaiserPhoto courtesy of MPR News
Diocese of Grand Rapids
Ada, MI – St. Robert of Newminster School opened in the fall of 2018, the first diocesan school in decades to open at a new site. At the time, the superintendent credited the new school to an uptick in student numbers in West Michigan. Fast forward to fall 2025, and a major expansion of the school will allow it to serve more than 370 students. The school now boasts a full-sized gym with a performance stage, plus bright classrooms, office space, and areas for fellowship and connection.
Photo courtesy of WoodTV.com
Diocese of Sacramento
Carmichael, CA – A Jesuit High School board member has pledged a $1 million unrestricted gift to support the school’s transition from an all-boys model to codivisional in fall 2027—its first major shift since opening in 1963. The donation, from alumnus Billy Downing (’98) and his wife Jessaca, will fund the campus improvements, expanded programs for incoming female students, and AI-supported teaching tools. School leaders said the move to the codivisional model follows extensive research and discernment to ensure long-term sustainability amid demographic changes, declining enrollment, and nationwide trends affecting Catholic schools.
Archdiocese of New York
New York, NY – La Salle Academy, the historic Catholic all-boys high school founded in 1848, has returned to its original Manhattan campus at 44 East Second Street, marking a significant homecoming after operating elsewhere since 2010. The September 2025 celebration included a Mass and dedication led by Bishop Edmund Whalen and remarks from distinguished alumni, including Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
As the school honors its legacy of educating young men—especially children of immigrants and working-class families—it does so with new major enhancements, including a finance lab, new STEM labs, upgraded classroom technology, and gym facilities developed in partnership with the NBA. Rising freshman enrollment helps La Salle continue its mission to provide a nurturing environment that fosters both moral and intellectual growth.
Photos courtesy of La Salle Academy
