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Southeast Texas Catholic Education Explodes Nationally

July 17, 2006

Southeast Texas Catholic schools and the bishop of Beaumont are getting national attention. Bishop Curtis J. Guillory, SVD, will receive a national award for progress being made in the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Beaumont.

The schools, after several years of losing students, have not only stabilized enrollment but made gains -- with some grades in some schools having waiting lists. The amount of financial assistance available to students has doubled as schools have become more financially stable.

In recognition for the overall success of the schools and the support he has given them, Bishop Guillory will be receiving the 2006 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award in October, in Washington, D.C. This award is presented by the National Catholic Educational Association for significant support to Catholic education.

The diocese credits much of the positive changes to a sustainability report presented in August 2004 by a special committee commissioned by the bishop to study the Catholic schools in the diocese and make recommendations. Four areas were targeted for success: attraction and retention of students, financial stability, positive pastoral relations, and strong and committed school boards.

"We have been chosen -- myself, the principals, pastors, faith community here -- because we are committed to Catholic Schools," Bishop Guillory said. "We provide excellent academics and pass on moral and religious values. The gift of Catholic education is the moral and religious principles."

Five Catholic elementary schools are in the diocese: St. Anthony Cathedral School, St. Anne School, and Our Mother of Mercy School, all in Beaumont; St. Mary School in Orange; and St. Catherine of Siena School in Port Arthur. The diocese has one Catholic high school, Monsignor Kelly High School, in Beaumont.

The Seton award is NCEA's highest honor, given in recognition of significant leadership or philanthropic contributions to Catholic education. The award is named in honor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821), regarded by many as the founder of the U.S. Catholic school network.