Back to school with new Catholic school superintendent & 100s of teachers
August 8, 2024
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo will bless teachers, principals and administrators this Friday, Aug. 9 at a back-to-school 9:30 a.m. Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston for the largest private school system in Texas.
New Archdiocesan school superintendent Mazie McCoy, Ed.D. with more than 20 years in Catholic education including as principal and assistant superintendent, is succeeding Debra Haney, Ed.D., who retired at the end of June.
“I am truly humbled by this responsibility and look forward to continuing the great work begun by Dr. Haney's leadership with a focus on STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) synergy, continued student growth and the formation of disciples who will transform the world,” McCoy said of the more than 15,000 students at more than 40 Catholic schools.
She added, “I look forward to collaborating with the Catholic Schools Office leadership team and the Archdiocesan Advisory School Council to develop our strategic plan based on national standards and benchmarks for effective Catholic elementary and secondary schools.”
This year's theme will be, "Pray Without Ceasing" in support of the Pope's Year of Prayer with a focus on mission. The Apostle Paul affirmed the significance of prayer, and wrote in one of his epistles, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Planning is already starting for one of the biggest Archdiocesan fundraisers for Catholic education to help schools and student tuition. Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk, that has raised up to $1 million for computers and other school equipment, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary set for Saturday on Feb.8 2025 in downtown Houston.