By Michelle Priar, Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Evansville
Special to The Message
We’re excited that the doors to schools across the Diocese of Evansville have opened and the 2025-2026 school year has begun. With these first weeks of school underway, we are reminded that we have much to celebrate as we welcome five new principals and over 50 new teachers. Student enrollment is up by 3.2 percent, bringing our total to 7,502 students across 26 schools in our diocese. It’s great to welcome so many new faces to our school communities.
Some of you may know that each year, schools in our diocese celebrate a theme. This year, the theme for our schools is Building a Future of Hope, which reflects our deep commitment to educate students to not only be knowledgeable students but to also be future leaders who will help bring the light of Christ to our communities. We are reminded that a Catholic education is more than just textbooks and lesson plans, but rather a foundation for the future and a path to heaven. Pope Leo XIV reminds us, “To share that message of hope with one another — in outreach, in service, in looking for ways to make our world a better place — gives true life to all of us, and is a sign of hope for the whole world.”
Building a future of hope can be a powerful force. It can be a source of courage when challenges arise, as they are bound to do. Hope can serve as an inspiration to work toward something greater than ourselves. Our classrooms can be places where hope takes the form of curiosity, perseverance and a belief that possibilities are limitless. When administrators, faculty and staff, students, families and parishioners unite around hope, we can create communities where everyone feels supported, encouraged and ready to dream big.
Building a future of hope means planting seeds today that will help students grow in faith, knowledge, service and love — values that help form the strong character our world needs. It means teaching students to see possibilities where others see obstacles, to respond to setbacks with resilience, and to use their God given talents to make the world a better place.
Parents, thank you for entrusting schools in the Diocese of Evansville with this mission. Together, we will work to provide an environment where children can grow in wisdom and grace. Students, remember that each day is an opportunity to learn, to share kindness, and to build the hopeful future that you envision. The future we are building is bright, and it begins with hope!