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“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9)
The Lord is with you wherever you go—guiding you and, at times, gently redirecting you toward new beginnings you never expected.
When our former Catholic school unexpectedly closed, it felt like losing a part of our family. It was the place where I was married, where my children and I were baptized, where my mother was a beloved teacher, and where my husband was confirmed as an adult. It was not just a school, it was a foundation for our faith, a place that shaped our children, and a community that meant everything to us.
The sadness of that loss was overwhelming. Letting go of a place so deeply woven into our lives was not easy. But even in that uncertainty, I held onto the belief that God would guide us forward—that we would not be left without a place to belong.
Catholic school closures have been a rising concern. According to the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), the 2025–2026 Annual Statistical Report on Schools, Enrollment, and Staffing indicates that 62 Catholic schools either closed or consolidated in 2024, with only 13 new schools opened.
Catholic school enrollment has declined by nearly 70% since the mid-1960s, when enrollment reached its peak at over 13,000 U.S. Catholic schools.
Declining enrollment remains the leading cause of Catholic school closures. Therefore, the question becomes: how do we foster a culture within our schools, parishes, and communities that ignites a new generation of families and students who will restore Catholic education to the forefront of our society?
It begins with our Faith and with sharing the lived experiences that emulate how Catholic education transforms lives by fulfilling its mission: to form the whole child spiritually, intellectually, morally, and emotionally.
Our family’s unwavering belief in Catholic education—and in the beautiful relationship our two younger children have developed with God—simply cannot be replaced. Therefore, we carried with us the confidence that no matter where life led our family, God would walk beside us.
It was this unwavering faith that ultimately led us to Saint Mary School and Parish in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
A Catholic School’s Witness to Living Faith
From the moment we arrived, it became clear that Saint Mary was the place for us. Its school community embraces the belief that God is present in all things and that faith is meant to be lived out daily.
“Over the course of the year, our students take part in a variety of service projects, including collecting food for the Saint Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. These acts of service bring our students’ faith to life as they share God’s love with others,” says Principal Fuja. His leadership reflects a clear philosophy: faith, when nurtured, shapes both character and community.
I can confirm it in my eldest son’s remarkable growth. Alongside strong academics, he now has a deeper understanding of what it means to live out the Faith.
His teacher, who holds a master’s degree in elementary education, approaches education with the belief that every child possesses unique strengths, needs, and capacities for growth. “When students are supported within a structured, nurturing environment and are appropriately challenged, they develop the confidence to see themselves as capable, empowered learners,” says Walzer.
Walzer emphasizes that Principal Fuja fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration, and faith through leadership. “I believe anyone can be a leader, and everyone is capable of learning how to become an effective leader,” says Fuja.
That confidence is something we have witnessed firsthand—not only academically, but also in how students carry themselves with kindness and purpose.
A Culture of “Journeying With”
For my younger son the journey looks a little different. These early years are about discovery—learning who they are and where they belong. At Saint Mary, that process is met with warmth and care.
“What makes Saint Mary School so special is that it is such a welcoming community that takes care of everyone who walks through the door,” says Mrs. Olsen, who holds a master’s degree in teaching and leadership and has been teaching kindergarten at Saint Mary for 25 years. She is also an alumna with two children who currently attend the school.
Mrs. Olsen emphasizes the importance of relationships, noting that Principal Fuja makes it a priority to truly know each student and each family. When challenges arise—social, emotional, or academic—teachers and families work together to support the child. Trust is built, and from that trust, students are able to succeed.
Leadership, Faith, and Mission
This spirit of collaboration reflects something larger. Success at Saint Mary is not accidental; it is intentional, supported by mission-driven leadership.
“Everything we do as a board is rooted in our Faith,” says Courtney Chianello, chair of the Saint Mary School Advisory Board. “We open and close every meeting with prayer. It keeps us grounded in why we’re here and who we serve.”
Each member shares a commitment to faith. Courtney hopes her own children will carry their Saint Mary Catholic School foundation with them throughout their lives, using it as a compass in all they do.
That same mission is echoed within the parish. Saint Mary School is an integral part of Saint Mary Parish, and together they work to help students recognize God’s presence in their lives.
Parish and School United, As They Should Be
Fr. Dan Whiteside, a graduate of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary, was ordained in 1992 and has faithfully served as pastor of Saint Mary Parish since 2012. Under his pastoral leadership, Saint Mary has grown into one of the largest Catholic congregations in Lake County, Illinois—reaching thousands of parishioners and serving as a vibrant spiritual home for families across generations.
“Deep down, everyone has a yearning for fulfillment and meaning in life, and that comes through our loving God,” says Fr. Dan.
Catholic education can change the world. Catholic schools exist to form minds for the world and souls for Heaven. They’re only strengthened when united to parishes that share the very same mission.
“I am grateful for the partnership between our families, parish, and Saint Mary School, because ‘Together, we will do great things,’” says Fuja.
So, if you find yourself needing to choose a new parish and school, I recommend looking for similar traits as these: a healthy, faith-filled culture where open communication and family support are part of daily life; and a place that lives the Faith, and where the fruits of the Spirit are visible because of it.
Home Is Where God Is
“For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Rom. 11:36)
In moments of uncertainty—such as the closing of a beloved Catholic school or the transition from one parish community to another—this verse reminds us that all things ultimately come from God, are sustained through Him, and are meant to return to Him in glory.
Looking back, what once felt like an ending has become something entirely different. The loss we experienced was real, and it will always be a part of our story. But it was not the end of our faith journey because we took God with us. And in doing so, we found our way home again.
Photo by Matthew McLennan on Unsplash
