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It’s the first time that the National Catholic Educational Association is meeting in Texas, a gathering that attracted educators from 17 countries. The association has a long standing policy of cooperation with other private and public educational associations in the service of all aspects of American education.
The NCEA’s Amy Durkin is director of events for the convention. She says attendees were given a Texas size welcome to Houston.
“The Galveston Houston diocese has been wonderfully supportive. Sister Kevina Keating and Cardinal DiNardo have just been wonderful, and we’re so gracious for all their support.”
She says those participating represent all aspects of Catholic and faith-based education, from preschool to college, as well as parish involvement in education.
Sister Kevina Keating is the superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese. She led a group of mariachis to give conventioneers a taste of Texas.
“I think our part of the country is a very growing church, and our Catholic schools, thank God, are doing very well. And we have the highest enrollment this year in 33 years. And other parts of the country might have some struggles or problems, so hopefully we’re a source of encouragement to them. Of course, we consider the mission of Catholic education so important, because it addresses the whole person.”
The NCEA is the largest private professional education organization in the world, representing 200,000 Catholic educators serving more than 7.5 million Catholic students.