All-Schools Mass affirms Catholic identity and mission

By Andoni Biurrarena - Archdiocese of Miami

MIAMI | It was a vibrant and hopeful morning at St. Mary Cathedral as hundreds of students filled the pews, their presence offering a visible sign of the future of Catholic education in South Florida.

Representatives from all 65 schools in the Archdiocese of Miami — stretching from northern Broward County to Key West — gathered Jan. 26, 2026, for the fourth annual All-Schools Mass, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Enrique Delgado.

Each school sent approximately 10 student representatives who processed into the cathedral carrying their school banners. The colorful procession, accompanied by music and applause, reflected the unity, tradition and pride shared across archdiocesan schools.

Auxiliary Bishop Delgado concelebrated the Mass with priests from the cathedral and local schools. A choir from Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard's School in Cutlery Bay provided music, including the hymn “Angels Among Us,” while students from various schools proclaimed the Prayers of the Faithful in multiple languages — a reminder of the cultural richness of the local Church.

The Mass officially opened Catholic Schools Week, the national celebration of Catholic education across the United States. The annual observance highlights the contributions of Catholic schools in forming students academically and spiritually.

Jim Rigg, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Miami, welcomed students and faculty and reflected on the significance of the gathering.

“This is the All-Schools Mass that we have celebrated for the last four years,” Rigg said. “We are displaying the vibrancy of Catholic education in South Florida.”

Catholic Schools Mark Six Years of Growth in South Florida

That vibrancy is reflected not only in the energy of the students but also in enrollment numbers. Archdiocesan schools have experienced six consecutive years of growth, adding more than 1,000 students annually. During that time, four schools have opened or reopened.

Today, the archdiocese supports 65 schools and three stand-alone preschools serving more than 37,000 students in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties.

According to the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the number of Catholic school scholarship students in the archdiocese has increased dramatically — from approximately 12,000 in 2023 to more than 30,700 this year.

Sixty-four of the 65 Catholic schools participate in the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship program, administered by Step Up For Students. Scholarships average about $8,000 per student annually. Under Florida’s expanded school choice policies, most students attending Catholic schools now receive some form of state scholarship support.

Rigg noted that these programs have made Catholic education more accessible to middle- and working-class families.

“We offer a tremendous education grounded in Catholic values,” Rigg said. “The word has gotten out that our schools are changing lives. Our graduates are serving in leadership positions across the country and around the world.”

National trends further underscore the region’s growth. According to the National Catholic Education Association, the Southeast has experienced the highest enrollment increase since the 2019-20 school year, at 3.6 percent, while national enrollment declines that began a decade ago have begun to stabilize.

 

Growth Brings Challenges for Catholic Education

 

Despite the positive momentum, Rigg acknowledged that growth presents challenges.

“Most Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Miami are full, with waiting lists,” he said. “We need to continue expanding capacity in Catholic education.”

For many educators, however, the day was less about numbers and more about unity.

Outside the cathedral following the Mass, Veronica Dreher, a fourth-grade teacher at St. Bonaventure Catholic School in Davie, reflected on the experience.

“It’s beautiful to come together to kick off Catholic Schools Week and celebrate Catholic education,” Dreher said.

“I attended Catholic school my entire life. I understand the importance of what we are doing.”She pointed to the strong sense of community that defines Catholic schools.

“There is a unity that extends beyond the classroom,” she said. “Families stay connected. Alumni return to teach. Traditions are passed down. That continuity is powerful.”

Bishop Delgado Praises Educators: “Your Commitment Is Vital”

During his homily, Auxiliary Bishop Delgado expressed gratitude to principals, teachers and staff for their daily commitment to forming students in faith and knowledge.

“Your commitment is vital in shaping the future of our Church and our community,” Bishop Delgado said. “I am grateful for your ongoing effort.”

Reflecting on this year’s Catholic Schools Week theme, “Good Ground,” Bishop Delgado drew from the Gospel parable of the sower. He explained that Catholic schools strive to be fertile soil where faith can take root and flourish.

“Sowing is an act of faith,” he told the students. “The most essential thing in life is love — love of God and love of neighbor.”

He encouraged students to live their faith actively, to resist the pressures of modern culture and to pursue holiness.

The message resonated with students in attendance.

Joshua Tilor of Msgr. Edward Pace High School said Catholic education gives students a voice rooted in faith. “This event is important,” Tilor said.

“I want to be a voice for those who don’t have one. Catholic education allows us to share our faith in community, and that’s very important.”

Sabrina Cancino of St. Brendan High School said Catholic schools offer something distinct from public education.

“They are more community-oriented,” she said. “They teach values that focus on becoming a good person, not just being the best.”

For Cancino, Catholic education has shaped her priorities.

“It teaches us humility and service,” she said. “It’s about who you become.”

As the final hymn echoed through St. Mary Cathedral and students prepared to return to their campuses, the scene offered a powerful image: banners representing 65 schools gathered under one roof, united in faith and mission.

In a region marked by growth and diversity, the All-Schools Mass stood as both a celebration and a reminder — that Catholic education in South Florida is not only expanding but is also continuing its mission to form young people in faith, excellence and service for generations to come.