Often, the most profound connections are made with those who remain unseen in the crowd, quietly listening, yet deeply impacted by the message. In the fall of 2023, Katy Lichon, Ph.D., and I were invited to serve as keynote speakers for the Catholic Leadership Summit. There was an urgency and responsibility to address the demographic imperative shaping the current reality of our Catholic schools. In the United States, 43% of the the 65.2 million Latinos identify as Catholic. However, despite this significant presence, only about 4% of Latino Catholic children are enrolled in Catholic schools. This demographic disparity demands urgent attention and action.
The timing of the Summit provided an ideal platform—an audience of superintendents eager to engage with the impact of the ALMA initiative at the University of Notre Dame, an effort dedicated to addressing this beautiful opportunity. Our hope in this presentation was not simply to inform but to provide a call to action, one that would resonate long after the keynote concluded, stirring in the hearts of those who possess the power to enact change in Catholic schools.
Shortly after the presentation, two members of the audience approached me, expressing a strong desire to make an immediate impact within their archdiocese. What initially began as a simple conversation quickly evolved into the establishment of a strategic partnership with the Archdiocese of New York, aimed at instituting wide-reaching and lasting change.
“We know the work of the Church is to accompany whoever comes to us, and certainly many of the Latino families who come to us are Catholic, and we want to make sure they know they have a place in our schools. So for me, this is not just a priority, this is not just a one-time initiative; it’s something that we will continue to grow. We want to reach out to [Latino] families. We want to accompany them and their children—and their grandchildren in many cases—to our Catholic schools.”
-Sister Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of New York
Superintendent of Schools, Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., and her team demonstrated remarkable diligence in securing funding to support the participation of five school teams to attend the Latino Enrollment Institute (LEI) at the University of Notre Dame. The schools selected for this initiative were strategically chosen, with principals committed to fostering an environment where Latino students could not only find a sense of belonging but also thrive.
In the video below, hear Sister Mary Grace Walsh talk about the Archdiocese of New York's partnership with the ALMA Initiative and the importance of welcoming Latino children and families to Catholic schools.
In just a short time, these schools have witnessed profound change, including notable enrollment gains, as well as students who are thriving not only academically but helping to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive environment. Cultural diversity and linguistic richness has become a part of the fabric of these schools, influencing and permeating every aspect of the educational experience, from classroom dynamics to community interactions.
The partnership with the Archdiocese of New York City did not end in 2024; rather, it marks the beginning of an exciting new phase. An additional six schools will join the 13th Cohort of the Latino Enrollment Institute, further expanding the initiative’s reach. This new cohort will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with the previous cohort, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable experiences to the transformative journey ahead. This strategic, collaborative approach is essential in fostering a cultural shift within schools, creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
While this is only the second year of the partnership, we are eager to witness and measure the profound impact of this alliance, grounded in a shared vision of ensuring that Latino students not only gain access to New York City Catholic education but also thrive within it. Transformative change is born when strategic partnerships turn shared commitment into lasting progress.
Interested in bringing the LEI to your (arch)diocese? Click below to download the Regional LEI flyer and see our offerings.
Bring the LEI to your (arch)diocese
If you're interested in learning how to recruit, enroll, and better serve Latino children in your school consider joining the LEI!
Learn more about the Latino Enrollment Institute