Bright Lights of Catholic Education
Reflection by Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, NCEA President/CEO
The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Gallup provide a distinctive faith-based education deeply rooted in Catholic values and cultural heritage. Serving students across Arizona and New Mexico, these schools offer small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a commitment to academic excellence while honoring the traditions of Native American and Hispanic communities. Led by Bishop James S. Wall and overseen by Superintendent of Schools Pro Tem Fr. Tom Maikowski, the schools focus on faith formation, STEM learning, service, and leadership development—preparing students to thrive both in school and in life.
A Journey of Faith and Culture: The Bright Lights of Gallup
I had the privilege of visiting a truly special corner of the country: the Diocese of Gallup. My visit to the Native American schools was an extraordinary experience, offering a powerful glimpse into how Catholic education beautifully blends faith, culture, and community. The commitment and passion I witnessed at each school were deeply inspiring.
My first stop was St. Michael Indian School, where I participated in a beautiful Mass that included students in Native American garb and highlighted native history and culture. Following that, I was given a student-led tour. It was so impactful to see a school founded by St. Katharine Drexel thriving on the Navajo Reservation. The fact that many of the teachers are Navajo themselves and that students are able to wear a blend of traditional dress with their uniforms is a beautiful testament to the school’s dedication to honoring its heritage. I was also impressed to learn about their unique printing shop, which not only helps reduce costs for families but also serves other schools. Witnessing firsthand their innovative 3D printing and cooking classes further highlighted their commitment to a well-rounded curriculum.
At St. Joseph Mission School, I was greeted with a warm, student-led tour and participated in a student-led morning prayer. My guide was so personable, and I could truly feel that the students embodied their mission to “love each other as He loves us.” I am a bit embarrassed to say how much I enjoyed touring the bell tower and getting to pull the rope to ring the bell. With only 45 students, the school’s small size allows for incredibly personalized attention. Often I point to “things” or “programs” that stand out, and I certainly could talk about their new library or their garden, but in this case, it was the feel, the culture, and the warmth of a beautiful community that were most notable. The blending of Catholicity and Native American culture was absolutely beautiful, and my visit to the adobe mission near the campus completed one of the most inspiring school visits I have ever experienced.
Finally, my time at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Gallup was a reminder of the foundational role of Catholic education. Led by Sister Thomas Aquinas, OP, the school draws students from surrounding neighborhoods and the reservation, offering very low tuition to ensure it remains a viable option for the community. I enjoyed my tour and saw some great things going on in the school, but what struck me most was the school’s commitment to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. The many hand-crafted pieces and the curriculum that accompanied them stood out as a powerful example of how their faith formation program brings Christ alive and brings out the vibrancy of our faith. This is only one example of the deep-rooted faith that permeates the entire school.
My journey through the Diocese of Gallup was a profound reminder of the vibrant future of Catholic education, where tradition and innovation come together to form saints and scholars who are deeply rooted in their faith and culture. These schools are truly “bright lights” and a testament to the transformative power of a Catholic education.
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.
