Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As our committee has completed this assessment of Catholic education in the Jackson Metro area, I would like to thank the many pastors, educators, parents, parishioners, diocesan leaders, and consultants who have contributed their time, wisdom, and prayers throughout this important process. Together, we have carefully examined the strengths, opportunities, and future of our Catholic schools because we share a common belief: Catholic education is one of the Church’s greatest ministries.
It would be easy to view this assessment as simply another report focused on enrollment, finances, governance, and facilities. While those matters are important, this work is about far more than organizational structure.
At its heart, this assessment is about mission.
Our Catholic schools are places where children encounter Jesus Christ, where faith and reason are united, where character is formed, and where young people are prepared to live lives of faith, service, and leadership. They are among the Church’s greatest instruments for evangelization and for forming future generations of faithful Catholic disciples.
The assessment before you presents a vision for strengthening our schools so they may faithfully serve that mission for generations to come. It reflects careful research, broad consultation across our Catholic community, and a shared commitment to excellence in both faith formation and academics.
The future of Catholic education in our Diocese will depend upon all of us – our clergy, educators, parents, alumni, parishioners, benefactors, and friends – working together with faith, generosity, and hope. This is an opportunity not merely to preserve what has been entrusted to us, but to strengthen it so that more young people may come to know Christ through an outstanding Catholic education.
As you read this assessment, I invite you to do so prayerfully. Let us approach this moment with humility, courage, and confidence, trusting that the Holy Spirit continues to guide His Church.
Together, may we build a Catholic school system that is faithful to our mission, distinguished by excellence, and prepared to serve future generations throughout the Jackson Metro area.

Come, Holy Spirit.

Respectfully in Christ,

Lester Diamond
Chairman, Metro Jackson Catholic Schools Assessment Committee

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
– Psalm 127:1