Written by Maria Del Amo, director of Hispanic and Latino engagement, NCEA, [email protected]
For Catholic school superintendents, principals and educators, understanding “familia”—the deep-rooted concept of family in Hispanic and Latino culture—is essential to building relationships with students and their families. More than just a nuclear unit, familia represents an extended network of relatives, godparents, “tios,” “abuelos,” “abulelas,” “primos” and close family friends who play vital roles in a child’s upbringing.
Educational decisions are rarely made in isolation; instead, they are a collective effort where multiple family members provide input, financial support and encouragement. For many Hispanic and Latino families, family is at the heart of every important decision, including education. This strong sense of togetherness shapes their expectations for Catholic schools, where they seek a community that values collaboration and shared responsibility. Rather than focusing solely on individual achievement, Hispanic and Latino families view education as a family commitment, where success is celebrated collectively and belongs to the entire family.
Familia and Catholic Teaching
This emphasis on familia aligns beautifully with Catholic teaching. Throughout scripture, Jesus models what it means to build a family rooted in love and faith. His family was not limited to Mary and Joseph but extended to his disciples and followers. He called them his brothers and sisters, teaching that we are all children of God and part of His divine family.
The Holy Family itself serves as a guiding example of unity, sacrifice and devotion—values cherished by Hispanic and Latino families. Pope Francis reminded us, “The family is the fundamental cell of society where we learn to live with others despite our differences and to belong to one another.” (Amoris Laetitia, 2016). Catholic schools, as an extension of the Church, must mirror this sense of belonging and provide a welcoming environment where Hispanic and Latino families feel embraced as part of the school community.
Recognizing familia as a cornerstone of Hispanic and Latino life means Catholic schools must go beyond traditional outreach strategies. Schools that want to build authentic relationships must create spaces where families—not just parents—feel welcomed. This starts with fostering a culture of hospitality, where faculty and staff greet families warmly, acknowledge the importance of grandparents and extended relatives and provide opportunities for family involvement.
Ways to Connect
Hosting family Masses, cultural celebrations and school gatherings that honor Hispanic traditions strengthen this connection and build trust. Bilingual communication is another key element. While many Hispanic and Latino families are bilingual, nearly 85% of Hispanic adults speak Spanish at home. Providing school materials, newsletters and financial aid information in both English and Spanish ensures that every member of the family is informed and empowered to participate in their child’s education.
Beyond communication, Catholic schools should actively integrate Hispanic and Latino traditions into school life. Celebrating feasts like Día de los Muertos, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Las Posadas shows respect for cultural heritage and helps families see the school as an extension of their faith journey. Encouraging students to share their customs, prayers and family traditions in the classroom fosters a sense of identity and pride. More importantly, Catholic schools should recognize that many Hispanic and Latino families deeply value Catholic education but may be unfamiliar with the admissions process or assume it is financially out of reach. Providing bilingual workshops on scholarships, tuition assistance and enrollment steps is crucial in making Catholic education accessible.
For Hispanic and Latino families, choosing a Catholic school is more than an academic decision. It is a faith-based commitment grounded in the belief that the school will nurture their children spiritually, academically and culturally.
As Catholic school educators, embracing familia is not just a strategy for increasing enrollment—it is a call to embody the gospel, to recognize the sacredness of family and to ensure that every Hispanic and Latino family walking through our doors feels that they truly belong. Just as Jesus formed his family among his disciples and extended his love to all, Catholic schools must open their hearts and create a space where familia is honored, cherished and celebrated. When we embrace familia, we strengthen not just our schools, but the future of Catholic education itself.
Connect with Maria Del Amo
If you’d like to learn more about how we can support and engage Hispanic and Latino families in Catholic education, I’d love to connect! Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].
