Alliance for Catholic Education
This story was originally published by Margaret Scroope on the McGrath Institute for Church Life's website. To view the original article, please click here.
Notre Dame, IN — The McGrath Institute for Church Life and the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) at the University of Notre Dame have been awarded a $50,000 grant through Notre Dame’s Democracy Initiative, which seeks to position the University as a global leader in advancing the study and practice of democracy.
The funding supports one of 40 interdisciplinary projects selected across campus that aim to deepen Notre Dame’s commitment to the common good, elevate dialogue around democratic ideals, and form civically engaged citizens prepared to lead with integrity.
The funded project, titled “What Unique Contributions Do Catholic Schools Make to Democracy?”, will be led by Clare Kilbane, Ph.D., professor of the practice and senior learning designer at the McGrath Institute, who will serve as principal investigator. Kilbane was among 70 recipients selected to receive catalyst funding in the initiative’s first phase.
Kilbane will work in partnership with the Alliance for Catholic Education and the Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI), alongside co-principal investigators:
- Monica Kowalski, associate director of program evaluation and research, Institute for Educational Initiatives
- Kati Macaluso, academic director, ACE Master of Education program
- Kevin Baxter, director, Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program
Together, the team will design and implement the Catholic Schools and Democracy Summit, a virtual professional learning experience launching in summer 2025. The summit will convene Catholic educators and scholars to explore how schools prepare Christian citizens, address challenges to civic formation, and contribute to the flourishing of democracy. Those taking part in the summit can participate in one of two cohort groups-- one meeting in June and the other in July--across four, 90-minute real-time sessions.
“Democracy is not self-winding,” said Kilbane. “Students need effective educational experiences to develop into personally responsible, engaged citizens who can cooperate with a diverse community in the project of creating a good society.”
“Catholic schools have a long tradition of educating students to serve the common good,” added Macaluso. “This contribution is urgently needed today—both in the United States and around the world.”
The project will also support the development of new research and practical resources to help Catholic school leaders form students as informed, faithful citizens. In alignment with Notre Dame’s strategic framework, the Democracy Initiative emphasizes “inspiring all students to fulfill their responsibilities as citizens” through coordinated, mission-driven efforts across the University.
In addition, funding will bolster the Catholic Civil Dialogue Initiative of the McGrath Institute’s Office of Life and Human Dignity. The initiative equips educators to facilitate intentional, faith-informed dialogue on civic and moral questions in Catholic school settings.
By connecting research, practice, and formation, this collaborative project aims to respond to pressing democratic challenges—including polarization and technological disruption—while empowering the next generation of Catholic school graduates to serve the Church and society with wisdom, compassion, and courage.
Session Presenters
Dr. Melissa Moschella, McGrath Institute for Church Life
Dr. John McGreevy, Charles and Jill Fischer Provost, University of Notre Dame
Dr. Daniel Cho, Otterbein University
Dr. David Sikkink, University of Notre Dame
Dr. Catherine Cavadini, University of Notre Dame
Dr. David Cloutier, University of Notre Dame
Dr. John Cavadini, McGrath-Cavadini Director, McGrath Institute for Church Life
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
Dr. Kevin Baxter, Remick Leadership Program, University of Notre Dame
Erika Wickstrom, Superintendent, Diocese of Orlando
Frank O’Linn, Superintendent, Diocese of Cleveland
Leticia Oseguera, Superintendent, Diocese of San Diego
Dr. Meghan Fagan, ACE Teaching Fellows, University of Notre Dame
Jessica Keating, McGrath Institute for Church Life
Sr. Mary Agnes Grieffendorf, Vice Principal, St. Gertrude School
Dr. Clare Kilbane, McGrath Institute for Church Life
Christina Leblang, McGrath Institute for Church Life
Dr. Monica Kowalski, Institute for Educational Initiatives, University of Notre Dame
Dr. Kati Macaluso, ACE Teaching Fellows, University of Notre Dame
Vicki Petrella, St. James the Less Catholic School
Faustin Weber, Principal, Prince of Peace Catholic School
Joyce Tompsett, Prince of Peace Catholic School
Dr. David Campbell, Director, Democracy Initiative, University of Notre Dame
About the McGrath Institute for Church Life
The McGrath Institute for Church Life partners with Catholic dioceses, parishes, and schools to offer education, formation, and resources that empower leaders and deepen the faith of the people of God. Through academic research and pastoral initiatives, the Institute bridges the Catholic intellectual tradition and the life of the Church. Learn more at mcgrath.nd.edu.
About the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE)
Founded in 1993, the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) at the University of Notre Dame works to sustain, strengthen, and transform Catholic schools. ACE forms teachers and leaders; develops and disseminates innovative tools and research to integrate academic excellence and spiritual growth; and enhances financial accessibility and operational vitality to ensure that all children—especially those in historically marginalized communities—have the opportunity to experience the gift of an excellent Catholic education. ACE annually serves more than 300 schools and 250,000 students in over 40 states. Learn more at ace.nd.edu.
About the Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI)
Founded in 1996, the Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI) consists of more than two dozen initiatives that strive to improve education for all youth, particularly the disadvantaged, paying special, though not exclusive, attention to Catholic schools. Through research, the formation of teachers and leaders, and direct service to educational systems, the IEI’s scholars and practitioners pursue interdisciplinary collaborations to better understand and improve PK-12 education both in the United States and internationally. To learn more, visit https://iei.nd.edu.