On Jan. 26, 2022, high school seniors from Loretto Academy, Cathedral, and Father Yermo attended the 11th annual Senior Mass organized by the El Paso Catholic Diocese and presided over by Bishop Mark Seitz. 

The celebration occurred at St. Patrick Cathedral in downtown El Paso, Texas. 

Seniors arrived in time for the mass to begin at 8:30 a.m.

After the mass, a reception was held in Cathedral’s gym for all seniors to attend.

Loretto senior Carolina Wong said, “I really enjoyed when Bishop Seitz talked about entering the next chapter of our lives because it was very reaffirming and comforting to hear.

Going to the Senior Mass was special because all of the seniors came together as a community united by God.”

The tradition of the Senior Mass unites Loretto Academy, Cathedral, and Father Yermo, which is especially important as the enrollment rates in Catholic schools nationwide continue to decline.

Declining enrollment

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic school enrollment rates have decreased by 6.4%, marking an all-time high.

When National Catholic Schools Week (CSW) was first celebrated in 1974, there were over 11,000 Catholic schools nationwide. 

In recent times, 209 out of the remaining 6,147 Catholic schools across the nation had to permanently close due to a lack of funds.

For example, in 2017, El Paso’s Our Lady of Assumption Catholic School had to shut down for similar reasons after operating for 60 years.

Faith-based education

The opportunity to receive a Catholic education not only presents a stimulating environment that builds leadership skills but also strengthens beliefs of faith and service.

Loretto junior Cassandra Navarro said, “ I like the smaller environment that Catholic schools offer, I  like being able to express myself, practice my faith, and strengthen my relationship with God.”

CSW is celebrated annually during the last week of January to pay respect to Catholic education and the values it brings to our communities.

Ms. Salazar, a Loretto high school religion teacher and a class of 2014 alumnae, said, “When I came to Loretto from a public school, the teachers actually knew my name, and I no longer felt like a number in a class of one thousand students.

Loretto gave me a lot of opportunities to speak in public, which assisted me in going forward with what I wanted to do, especially because being a teacher requires a lot of speaking. 

My writing improved as well; In college, writing in APA or MLA style was easy for me but extremely difficult for others.”

The value of Catholic education is truly a gift that should not be taken for granted. 

To share the gift of faith-based education, Loretto’s students and faculty encourage prospective students to consider attending Loretto Academy. 

Loretto’s High School Dean of Students, Director of Innovation, and a class of 1981 alumnae,  Ms. Martinez, said, “Loretto Academy provides the opportunity for students to develop interests and to learn about themselves in a nurturing faith-filled environment.

 Many thrive in a small school setting where teachers will recognize each student’s needs, where relationships can grow and continue for a lifetime, and where one can feel safe to use her voice to share her own personal ideas.”

Loretto Angels are called upon to live out the core values by devoting time to reflect during mass and serve those in need. 

Martinez said, “Loretto Academy, with its high academic expectations and four core values, produces strong and independent women leaders that make a difference in our community and in our world. 

As Loretto Academy is an all-girls high school, this special place embraces the Sisterhood where students experience the love and support of those who surround them.”

2023 CSW celebrations 

For this year’s CSW, the theme is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service”.

As 2023 marks the 49th anniversary of this celebration, there are fun-filled activities planned to remind students of the goodness of God. 

The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso makes teaching stewardship at schools a priority, especially at diocesan charities, schools, ministries, and parishes.

Since 2001, the Catholic Foundation has raised over $20 million for endowment funds and continues to help strengthen the Catholic community.

These donations promote investment in El Paso’s Catholic schools, further promoting the integration of faith in learning. 

As the official CSW takes place from Jan. 29-Feb. 4, Loretto will continue to celebrate while taking pride in the true meaning of Faith, Excellence, and Service.