In a letter to pastors, principals, and school leaders, Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, emphasized the continuing nature of the work.

“Just as Christ calls us to turn toward Him in faith, this season invites us to see God at work in our schools, creating new opportunities for growth and learning, and bringing hope to our students and communities.” Sr. Mary Grace Walsh wrote.

The renewal plan follows a school viability study conducted during the 2024-2025 academic year and is part of an ongoing process to ensure Catholic education remains vibrant, accessible, and life-giving for generations to come.

Key initiatives include:

• Strengthening Catholic Identity and Faith Formation: Schools will deepen the authentic Catholic identity of our schools by enhancing foundational roots of Catholic education, strengthening faith formation, and fostering closer collaboration between clergy and school communities. Renewing the relationship between parish and school life will ensure that students encounter Christ through prayer, the sacraments, and the daily witness of clergy and educators who accompany them in faith.
• Innovation in Learning and Personalized Education: Schools will explore approaches combining personalized instruction with archdiocesan-wide assessments that integrate faith, virtue, and intellectual curiosity.
• Expansion of STREAM Programs: Seven schools will become STREAM education centers (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math), providing hands-on, faith-centered learning experiences.
• Latino Engagement Institute: Collaboration with the Latino Engagement Institute through the University of Notre Dame will expand to reach more schools and families.
• Expansion of Special Education Services: Programs will be strengthened for students with diverse learning needs, including a continued focus on the John Cardinal O’Connor School and partnerships with districts and municipalities.
• Strengthening School Infrastructure: Planned capital investments will ensure schools remain safe, welcoming, and well-equipped centers of learning and faith formation.

As part of the ongoing plan, three schools will close at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year: Incarnation School in Manhattan, Sacred Heart School in Hartsdale, and Most Precious Blood School in Walden.

“These decisions were made after extensive reflection, study, and prayer, as we face significant challenges that make it impossible to continue our mission at these locations,” Sr. Mary Grace Walsh wrote. “It is our hope that all students will continue their Catholic school education in one of our other Catholic schools. Principals and enrollment teams will work with families in the months ahead to ensure a smooth transition.”

Two additional schools will undergo campus consolidations: St. Anthony-St. Paul School in Nanuet/Valley Cottage will consolidate from two locations to one campus at St. Anthony Parish in Nanuet, and Transfiguration School in Manhattan, which was announced earlier this year by the parish and school, will consolidate from three locations to two sites.

“We know that change can bring mixed emotions, but every step we take is part of a faithful journey of renewal and growth,” Sr. Mary Grace Walsh wrote. “Just as Lent leads us to the joy of Easter, these moments of renewal invite us to trust in God’s providence and see His hand at work in our schools, our students, and our communities.”

The Superintendent of Schools Office will continue to share updates and resources with families as the renewal plan process moves forward.

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The Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York announced a revision to the previously issued schedule for Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Catholic parish and regional elementary schools in Manhattan and the Bronx will be open on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Catholic parish and regional elementary schools on Staten Island will be closed due to ongoing snowstorm cleanup and safety concerns.

Catholic parish and regional elementary schools in the Archdiocese of New York outside of New York City will continue to follow their local public school districts’ guidance on closures or delayed openings.

Catholic elementary schools in Brooklyn and Queens, which fall under the Diocese of Brooklyn, will follow diocesan guidance.

Families are encouraged to exercise caution, monitor local announcements, and prioritize safety as cleanup efforts continue.

Catholic high schools will communicate any schedule changes directly to their school communities.

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The closure includes Catholic parish and regional schools located in Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and the archdiocese’s upper counties. Catholic elementary schools in Brooklyn and Queens, which fall under the Diocese of Brooklyn, are not included in this decision.

This will be a traditional snow day, and classes will not be held remotely. School calendars account for weather-related closures to ensure students meet required instructional time.

Families are advised to monitor local weather reports and prioritize safety during the storm.

Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese function independently; families should look for guidance directly from their child’s high school regarding any schedule changes.

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Three players from Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains have reached one of the highest levels in high school basketball.

Jasiah Jervis and brothers Adonis and Darius Ratliff have been selected for the McDonald’s All-American Game, placing them among the best players in the country.

The honor reflects years of dedication. Jervis said the recognition shows that “hard work can really pay off,” while Darius Ratliff described the journey as “blood, sweat and tears.”

Head coach Patrick Massaroni said the program emphasizes character as much as talent, focusing on accountability, communication and energy. He said the team has built a culture centered on a “we over me” mindset.

Photo: News 12 Hudson Vallehy

Reported by: Jeremy Hopwood, Feb 14, 2026, 4:52 PM. Updated 2 days ago

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The offering responds directly to Archbishop Hicks’ request for prayers and reflects the vibrant Catholic identity present in New York’s Catholic schools. Accompanying it was a letter from Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York.

“On behalf of the students of the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York, it is a great joy to present this spiritual bouquet, offered with love, gratitude, and prayer as you begin your ministry among us,” she wrote.

Through classroom prayer, acts of kindness, and personal sacrifices, students participated in the bouquet as a sign of support for their new shepherd.

“Our students listened closely to your request for prayers and responded with generous and sincere hearts. The prayers, sacrifices, and acts of kindness gathered here reflect their faith and their desire to support you as their shepherd,” Sr. Mary Grace Walsh added.

The spiritual bouquet reflects the daily life of Catholic schools, where faith formation shapes students’ hearts and minds.

“In our Catholic schools, the love of Jesus is very much alive, shaping our classrooms, grounding our prayer, and forming the hearts of young people who strive each day to live the Gospel,” she said.

The offering also includes prayers from those who serve the mission of Catholic education across the archdiocese.

“In this same spirit, the staff of the Superintendent of Schools Office and the Department of Education for the Archdiocese of New York join our students and school communities in offering prayer and support as you begin this new ministry,” Sr. Mary Grace Walsh concluded.

The mission of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York is to provide a Christ-centered, academically excellent, and welcoming education that empowers students of all backgrounds to become lifelong learners and leaders, deeply rooted in faith, service, and the Gospel values.

A Spiritual Bouquet of Prayer and Love stands as a sign of welcome, unity, and ongoing prayer from Catholic school communities throughout New York as they accompany Archbishop Hicks at the start of his ministry.

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This systemwide closure applies to Catholic elementary schools in Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and the archdiocese’s upper suburban counties. Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Brooklyn are not affected by this announcement.

The closure will be observed as a traditional snow day, and no remote instruction will take place. All Catholic parish and regional elementary schools in the Archdiocese of New York have snow days built into their academic calendars, with appropriate plans in place to ensure required instructional time is met.

Families are encouraged to enjoy this day together while remaining attentive to safety and local weather advisories.

Catholic high schools within the Archdiocese of New York operate independently. Families of high school students should follow communications provided directly by their individual schools.

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Wishing you a blessed and joyful Catholic Schools Week 2026 (click here to view this message in English and Spanish).

Each time I visit one of our Catholic schools, I am deeply inspired by the life I see in action. Our schools are sacred spaces—places where Christ is made visible daily through the dedication of those who teach, guide, and nurture; the joy and promise of our students; the trust of families; and the faith-filled witness of our communities. This encounter with Christ is the heart of who we are, and the reason Catholic education continues to flourish.

Across generations, Catholic education has endured because Christ remains present in our classrooms and hallways. It is He who animates our mission, sustains our communities, and inspires young people to grow not only in knowledge but in wisdom, virtue, and hope. Today, as Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York enter a season of renewal, we see this living presence of Christ at work in the energy, creativity, and faith-filled commitment within our communities. Together, we are forming the next generation of Catholic saints, young men and women who will carry the light of Christ into the world. This renewal calls us to embrace new opportunities, strengthen our mission, and recommit ourselves to forming hearts and minds grounded in faith, hope, and love.

In Drawing New Maps of Hope, Pope Leo XIV reminds us of our call to move forward with hope, creativity, and confidence in Christ. This message speaks powerfully to Catholic education, where faith and learning are intertwined to nurture young people who are rooted in truth, guided by compassion, and prepared to serve the world with integrity and love.

As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, may we give thanks for the gift of Catholic education and embrace this season of renewal, recommitting ourselves to forming hearts and minds grounded in faith, strengthened by knowledge, and filled with hope for the future.
Please know of my prayers for each of you, and every good wish for a joyful Catholic Schools Week.

Sincerely, in Christ,

Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools

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Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York rejoice in the news that Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks as the 11th Archbishop of New York. As we journey through Advent, a season of prayerful waiting and preparation, this announcement invites us to trust in God’s loving guidance. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we give thanks for His providence in calling Archbishop-designate Hicks to shepherd our local Church and to lead us into an exciting new chapter for the Archdiocese of New York.

Our students, growing in faith and striving to live the Gospel each day, join me in welcoming Archbishop-designate Hicks. He brings a pastor’s heart, a love for Christ, and a dedication to serving God’s people, qualities that inspire all of us in Catholic education. On behalf of the Superintendent of Schools Office and about 50,000 students, we assure him of our prayers as he begins this vital ministry.

We also offer deep gratitude to His Eminence, Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, whose unwavering commitment, leadership, and presence in our schools have nurtured the faith of countless students, families, and educators. We pray that the Lord continues to bless him with strength, health, and peace, with many more years of faithful service.

As we journey through Advent and prepare to welcome the Christmas season, may Our Blessed Mother guide Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop-designate Hicks, and all of our school communities. May this time of waiting and celebration draw us closer to Christ and fill our hearts with trust, excitement, and renewed commitment to the mission of Catholic education as we step forward together into this new chapter.

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During the ceremony, Linda Dougherty, Associate Superintendent for Catholic Identity and Secondary Schools and a 2024 Lighting the Fire for Catholic Education Award recipient, introduced Silva. Reflecting on her time as Regional Superintendent of the East/Northeast Bronx Region, Dougherty praised Silva’s academic, spiritual, and creative influence on his students, particularly through his commitment to the arts.

“He really does bring Broadway to the Bronx,” Dougherty said. “And what do these students learn? They learn to speak, they learn to memorize, they learn to sing, to dance” — “a way of them developing their full potential as children of God.”

In his remarks, Silva reflected on Proverbs 3:5-6, saying, “This has been a guiding light to me” and “God places people in our lives exactly when we need them, even if we might not understand why.” He underscored his belief that “Catholic education has never been just a job … for all of us it’s a vocation.” Acknowledging those who guided his vocational journey, he added, “In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, who reminds us, start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

As principal, Silva has cultivated a strong culture of academic excellence grounded in Catholic identity. He champions professional development, encourages innovative instructional practices, and ensures a supportive environment where all students are known and valued. Silva also extends his educational expertise by working with graduate students in the School of Education at Hunter College.

Silva is equally celebrated for his leadership of the St. Francis of Assisi Theatre Program, affectionately known for its motto “Bring Broadway 2 the Bronx.” His creativity, generosity, and dedication have made him a beloved leader, mentor, and advocate for the arts in Catholic education.

The Lighting the Fire Award honors individuals whose commitment to Catholic education inspires and strengthens entire school communities. Silva’s contributions reflect the mission of the award and the lasting impact of exceptional leadership in Catholic schools.

Photo Caption: Marc Silva stands with the Executive Board of the Catholic School Administrators Association of New York (CSAANYS) at the award reception. From left to right: Gerard Buckley, CSAANYS Secretary, Diocese of Rockville Centre; John Paul (JP) Barnaba, CSAANYS Vice President, Diocese of Rockville Centre; Linda Dougherty, Associate Superintendent for Catholic Identity and Secondary Schools, Archdiocese of New York; Marc Silva, Principal of St. Francis of Assisi School and Corry Academy, Archdiocese of New York; and Fatima DeCarvalho-Gianni, CSAANYS President, Archdiocese of New York.

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On behalf of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York, I join the Regis High School community in mourning the tragic loss of one of their students. Our hearts are united in prayer for his family, classmates, teachers, and all who are grieving this profound loss. May our loving Lord welcome him into eternal rest and grant his family strength, comfort, and peace.

During this difficult time, school counselors remain available to offer support as needed. I encourage any young person who may be struggling to reach out to a trusted adult and to rely on the care of those around them.

In moments of great sorrow, we turn to our faith and to one another. I ask the Catholic school community to join me in holding the Regis High School community close in prayer. May they feel the compassion of our wider community and the peace of Christ as they mourn.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed
rest in peace. Amen

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