Bright Lights of Catholic Education
Reflection by Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, NCEA President/CEO
With 31 Catholic schools serving nearly 9,000 students across Fairfield County, the Diocese of Bridgeport is dedicated to forming the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Guided by the mission of the Church, the leadership of Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, and the direction of Superintendent Stacie Stueber, the schools provide rigorous academics rooted in faith, ensuring that 100% of students graduate from high school and nearly all continue on to college or military service. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Bridgeport offer a transformative education where young people are prepared to succeed in life and grow as disciples of Christ.
A Joyful Return
It was a true privilege to return to the Diocese of Bridgeport, a place I was blessed to serve as Superintendent for almost nine years. The visit felt like a homecoming to a community I love. I was filled with joy to see both the tremendous success of the schools and the enduring strength of the faith guiding their leaders to form, inform, and transform the lives of young people.
My first stop was Kolbe Cathedral Preparatory School, and I was so excited to witness the incredible transformation. I toured the newly renovated Louis V. Gerstner III Center for Students and Families, a stunning new facility that includes classrooms, an art and music studio, and a fitness center. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on October 24, 2024, marked a new chapter for the school. I was also inspired to hear about the growth of their Student Success Center and their dynamic Marian Work Study Program, both of which empower students to achieve great things. Kolbe’s commitment to both academic and spiritual growth is a testament to its mission to serve all students in and around the city of Bridgeport, one of the most economically challenged cities in the state.
My next visit was to All Saints Catholic School, a vibrant community that radiates with the love of Christ. I had the honor of speaking with the students about their role as “Christ Bearers,” and I was truly impressed by their thoughtful engagement and joyful spirit. I was particularly excited to see the growth of the Learning Academy, which offers a personalized educational experience for students with special needs. It was inspiring to hear about their innovative new engineering program and the unique opportunity for students to use flight simulators. And of course, getting to read a book to the preschool students was the perfect ending to my visit and a reminder of the beautiful simplicity of our faith.
Returning to the Diocese of Bridgeport was a gift. They say you can’t go home, but the “Welcome Home” I received at All Saints and the warmth I felt at Kolbe tell me differently. Seeing these schools and witnessing the incredible work being done, from the innovative new facilities at Kolbe to the joyful mission at All Saints, reaffirmed my belief in the power of Catholic education, and I look forward to future school visits in this diocese I still call home.
FACTS is dedicated to making educational dreams possible for families and students while enhancing the financial stability and affordability of education. Serving over 12,000 schools worldwide and more than three million students and families, FACTS provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to support administrators and learners alike in delivering exceptional educational experiences. FACTS works with many Catholic schools and dioceses across the United States and is proud to power the NCEA “Bright Lights of Catholic Education” tour, continuing its commitment to Catholic education for years to come.
