Bright Lights of Catholic Education
Reflection by Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, NCEA President/CEO
The Diocese of St. Petersburg serves a vibrant Catholic community across Florida’s Gulf Coast, encompassing 74 parishes, five missions, and more than 13,000 students enrolled in 46 Catholic schools and early childhood centers. Under the leadership of Bishop Gregory Parkes and superintendent Christopher Pastura, the diocese remains steadfast in its mission to form disciples rooted in faith, academic excellence, and service. Catholic schools across the diocese embody this mission each day, fostering communities where faith and learning come together to inspire future leaders in Christ. During my visit, I saw that commitment come alive in countless ways.
I had the immense pleasure of visiting the Diocese of St. Petersburg—a trip that was both personally inspiring and profoundly joyful. From my very first moments meeting with diocesan leaders, I was energized by their passion and dedication to Catholic education. The collective commitment of this leadership team was a “bright light” in itself, setting the tone for a truly special tour.
My journey began at St. Petersburg Catholic High School, where I was immediately struck by the vibrant campus and the school’s dedication to developing the whole person. Beyond the clear focus on academic excellence and the intentional development of teachers to ensure they are equipped to teach and inspire the next generation of students, I saw firsthand how faith is integrated into the school’s life, with an intentional goal of promoting leadership within the Catholic Church. The commitment to spiritual life was palpable, and it was clear that the Kairos retreat program has had a transformative effect on the students. And of course, I couldn’t miss the “Touchdown Mary” mural—a wonderful, uniquely school-specific detail that adds a touch of inspiration to the athletic grounds. More impressive than the mural itself was standing on the field, listening to one of the football players describe how it felt having Mary watch over him as he freely and openly shared the importance of faith in all aspects of the student experience.
I left that experience thinking my heart was as full as it could get. But then I walked into the Cathedral School of St. Jude. There, I witnessed an incredible example of community resilience as the St. Jude and St. John Vianney school communities came together after a devastating hurricane forced St. John, located in St. Pete Beach, to close. It was a powerful and moving sight to see these two communities operating as one—a testament to how the Catholic community rallies together to provide a home for students in a time of need. Hearing the stories of how people came together to move furniture and prepare learning spaces for these children was heartwarming. I want to give a special shout-out to the third-grade students who were working on their Living Wax Museum—they were truly impressive.
My visit to Morning Star Catholic School was particularly special and truly highlighted a “bright light” in Catholic education. I was moved to my core when a student told me that after touring several public and private schools, he shadowed at Morning Star and knew, “I found my people.” This school’s unique mission to serve students with a variety of learning differences is a beautiful reflection of our Church’s mission to serve everyone. I especially enjoyed visiting their “home,” a great space that gives students a place to learn practical home and life skills within the safety of their school. Morning Star is a beacon of hope and a powerful example of inclusive education.
I was also delighted to visit Sacred Heart Catholic School, a historic and joyful place where I could feel the energy of the students and staff. It was clear that this school, with its long-standing history, is focused on developing future community leaders. The school’s mission is deeply rooted in the Gospel, and I was so impressed with how their tailored educational approach ensures every student receives the support they need to succeed and serve the world with love and integrity. I especially loved the Hydroponics Garden—an entrepreneurial project where students package and sell what they grow during the car line. I also enjoyed listening to students proudly describe their International Day and how this celebration of cultures brought families together to share their heritage and traditions.
Next on the tour was St. Joseph Catholic School, a historic institution founded in 1896. This completely bilingual school has embraced its heritage as the place where the cigar workers of Ybor City sent their children. I was deeply impressed with the true community of families and teachers who work together to meet the needs of students and who even volunteer on weekends to care for the school grounds and facilities. I also observed the impact of the STRASS program, which provides every student with a violin and culturally relevant musical experiences. Teachers shared how exciting it is to work with students in this community—many of whom arrive with very little English—and to see how they grow and flourish. This school is a true “bright light,” with the brightest of lights shining from the eyes and hearts of those who work so hard to serve their community.
My final stop was Tampa Catholic High School, a co-educational school with a palpable sense of pride and faith. To say that this school of about 750 students was full of energy is an understatement. The students I toured with exuded such joy that I couldn’t help but smile the entire time I was there. It is easy to see why over 97% of students participate in a club, activity, or sport—it’s simply a fun place to be! I saw the passion and commitment in their student-led morning show and felt the pride they had in their sports teams. One of the highlights was my tour of the Bellini Center for the Arts. The center was still under construction, but when completed, this state-of-the-art facility will serve as a home for the ever-growing arts program and will include a new performing arts center, art classrooms, a computer lab, and a broadcast studio. What made this experience even greater was that I got to tour it with theater students who were also seeing it for the first time. Their excitement made my day and reminded all of us why we do what we do. It was an inspiring end to an incredible tour.
The Diocese of St. Petersburg is a vibrant example of what makes Catholic education so special. The commitment to faith, community, and academic excellence is a true beacon of light for students, families, and the wider community. It was a privilege to witness it all firsthand.
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.
