Welcome – Executive Director

Dear Collaborators,

I hope that there is a sense of normalcy returning to your schools at this time.  The timing of this communique marks nearly two years of abnormality, hardship, sacrifice, and loss for so many.  As I write this, I just learned that the father of one of our 2021 DIA Fellows recently succumbed to COVID and passed away.  I ask that you keep John Angelle and his family in your prayers as they grieve this loss.

Despite some challenging pandemic-related restrictions in our nation’s capital, our DIA pilgrimage in January was quite fruitful.  Visits and enriching discussions were held at Georgetown University, The Catholic University of America, The Heights School, the Museum of the Bible, and the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.  It was a beautiful opportunity to walk in faith with fellow Catholic school leaders and their spouses and to learn more about the broader landscape and challenges facing Catholic education today.

For the remainder of 2022, DIA Schools Collaborative offers multiple events for networking and growing the resources of Catholic schools seeking to “go deeper” in their faith-focus.

In the spirit of DIA’s objective to provide inspiration to embolden the formation of our school communities, we partnered with Benedictine College to offer our first-ever Summer Institute for Early Career Teachers. Plan now to take advantage of special rates for multiple members of your team to take part, June 13-17. See details about this professional development opportunity, and register now here.

At Napa Institute’s 12th Annual Summer Conference, July 27-31, DIA Schools will participate in several ways and DIA members are eligible for discounted registrations. This is an excellent event for Catholic school leaders to network with influencers and philanthropists. Consider this as a couples’ getaway with spiritual benefits! Watch for announcements about workshops that further the DIA message. Registration details for DIA Member discounts will be announced soon. 

Finally, be sure to mark your calendars for our annual DIA Schools Summit, which will be held next October 19-21 in San Juan Capistrano, California, on the campus of JSerra Catholic High School. This is another professional development resource as well as a retreat-like experience for your leadership team, campus ministers and/or teachers. We are also planning for a pilgrimage to some of the missions in the area October 21-23—a great opportunity to extend the visit and learn more about the roots of the Catholic faith out west. Registration and the keynote speaker line-up will be announced soon. 

May God bless you and your ministry in Catholic education in the remaining months of this school year.