Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Inside the 48 Catholic schools across seven counties in the Archdiocese of Louisville, students are being taught to become good stewards, according to Amy Nall, superintendent of Catholic schools.

“As Catholics and as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be good stewards of the gifts we’ve been given,” Nall said. “A key part of a Catholic education is the teaching of stewardship, that we are called to share our gifts.”

Nall referenced an apostolic letter from Pope Leo XIV titled “Drawing New Maps of Hope,” released on October 28. In the letter, Pope Leo XIV writes about how Catholic education instills a sense of responsibility toward others: “Education is not merely the transmission of content but an apprenticeship in virtue. It forms citizens capable of serving and believers capable of bearing witness.”

According to Nall, stewardship is introduced and developed through three pillars central to the mission of Catholic schools: faith, service, and learning. She explained that Catholic schools nurture each child’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ and provide opportunities for service so students can put their faith into action by making a difference in the world. Students are also encouraged to become lifelong learners who continue developing their talents for the benefit of others.

Each school adapts these principles based on its community’s needs. “When I think of our schools and the variety of locations, the variety of sizes, the variety of programming, what I see is that we are one body with many parts, and we’re so fortunate to be able to meet the needs of those communities,” Nall said.

Dr. Trevor Timmerberg, assistant superintendent of schools, highlighted educators’ role in this mission. He said teachers use their own talents by guiding students and responding to student and parish school community needs.

The Archdiocese will host Discover Catholic Schools Week from November 16-22 as an opportunity for families considering a Catholic education.

Examples from local schools illustrate how these values are practiced:

At St. Athanasius School on Outer Loop Road, kindergarten through eighth-grade students gather monthly for adoration and recitation of the rosary alongside older student mentors known as “Mass buddies.” Principal Kristen Blankenship said this time allows students to focus on prayer amid busy schedules: “The overall hope...is that we have a student body that has a strong connection with God. That is the ultimate goal. That every child knows … God is a friend, God is somebody you can turn to.” During adoration sessions led by Father Matthew Hardesty, students pray together but also have moments for silent reflection.

St. Agnes School provides eighth-graders with hands-on service experience at Cathedral of the Assumption’s Daily Lunch Program twice monthly during school hours—a factor parent Laura Durbin cited when choosing St. Agnes for her child: “When I was looking at schools...I remember touring St. Agnes and hearing about the lunch program they did at the cathedral and thinking ‘Wow...it’s really amazing that a school values service so much.’” Youth ministry director Aundrea George noted how participation helps shy students engage more deeply over time while Durbin hopes it inspires ongoing commitment beyond graduation.

Notre Dame Academy opened a new classroom this fall for kindergarten through third-grade children with autism or developmental delays—called “The Trailblazers”—offering adapted curricula while integrating students into mainstream classes as appropriate. Principal Ashley Titus described it as meeting families’ requests for inclusive options within a Catholic environment: “It’s about giving these students what they need and giving them this Catholic environment.” Learning coordinator Tammy Thomson emphasized peer involvement; middle-schoolers assist Trailblazers during adaptive P.E., planning activities together weekly: “We really used it as an opportunity to educate our other students.”

For more information or listings on Archdiocese schools visit www.louisvillecatholicschools.com.