Bright Lights: Diocese of Sacramento

Reflection by Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, NCEA President/CEO

The Diocese of Sacramento serves more than 13,000 students and their families in 42 Catholic schools across 20 counties in Northern California, including 36 elementary schools and six high schools. Under the leadership of Bishop Jaime Soto and the Diocese of Sacramento Catholic School Department, the diocese is committed to supporting Catholic faith formation and academic excellence, forming students for God, for service, and for the future. Rooted in more than 160 years of Catholic education, this mission is evident throughout the diocese’s schools, where faith, academic excellence, and servant leadership prepare students to become responsible, compassionate disciples of Christ.

As I travel across the country for the Bright Lights of Catholic Education Tour, I am constantly reminded of the diverse ways our schools live out the mission of Christ. My visit to the Diocese of Sacramento was no exception.

From high-energy elementary classrooms to peaceful campus chapels, the spirit of renewal is palpable. Here are the highlights from a journey through three remarkable school communities that are truly shining as bright lights in Northern California.

My journey began at Sacred Heart Parish School, a community that beautifully illustrates how to honor a legacy while embracing the future. While the school was founded in 1934, the school moved to a stunning new campus just 15 years ago. Walking through the halls, I was struck by the “newness” of the spirit here; the facilities are modern, yet they feel deeply rooted in the history and charism of its founders.

In the classrooms, the integration of faith and high-level academics was seamless. I was particularly inspired to see a teacher from the University of Notre Dame’s Ascent program leading advanced math for middle schoolers, proving that equations and evangelization can go hand-in-hand. This wasn’t just rote learning; it was a demonstration of how Catholic schools bridge the gap between faith and reason. The range of learning I witnessed was staggering: fourth graders were diving deep into the history of Native Americans and global religions, while seventh graders spoke with genuine love about their Confirmation preparation. Even the youngest TK students brought a smile to my face, starting their day with a joyous “good morning” song that signaled to every child that they belong. What moved me most was the visual consistency of their mission. Seeing a unique crucifix and an image of the Sacred Heart in every single room served as a constant, beautiful reminder of the Love that centers their work.

At St. Ignatius Parish School, I found a community deeply rooted in the Jesuit tradition of being “people for and with others.” There is a profound sense of continuity and “home” here; I was moved to hear that alumnae frequently return to complete their service hours in the very classrooms where they once sat. That kind of loyalty is the ultimate testament to a school’s culture.

The heart of the St. Ignatius experience for the oldest students is the Arrupe Project, culminating in the Arrupe Expo. This isn’t just a social justice project; it is a life-changing exercise in empathy and action. The project challenges eighth graders to research systemic issues in their community and take personal responsibility for a response. The Arrupe Expo showed that these students aren’t just learning about the Gospel; they are living it. They begin with a small “seed” amount of money, match it through their own hard work at the “Arrupe Marketplace,” and eventually donate money to organizations that fight inequality. When a student looked at me and said, “My time at St. Ignatius shaped me to be who I am,” I felt the impact of this project and the lasting imprint the teachers and staff have on the students.

My final stop took me to Fair Oaks to visit St. Mel Catholic School, and I have to say, the hospitality was extraordinary. Every single class I entered greeted me with a prepared welcome that made me feel like a member of the family. The school is currently celebrating a vibrant rebrand, and seeing the students wear their new logo across all their schoolwear with such immense pride was a highlight of my trip. It reminded me that our schools are modern, relevant brands that students are excited to represent.

St. Mel is a hive of activity, boasting 23 different clubs and sports, but the spiritual anchors are what hold it all together. I loved the physical layout of the campus—students actually pass the Adoration chapel on their way to the art room and library, literally walking past the Real Presence of Christ during their daily transitions. The focus on “educating the whole child” was evident when I rolled up my sleeves to participate in a Kindergarten STEM project. Helping the kids with a marble run, I saw firsthand how they are being taught to think critically and creatively from the very beginning.

The Catholic School Advisory Committee (CSAC) at St. Mel is exceptionally active, recently completing a five-year strategic plan aligned with national standards (NSBECS). This collaboration between school leadership and parents ensures that the school remains a dynamic and sustainable environment for years to come.

St. Mel is a shining example of a school that is moving “always forward” while keeping its eyes fixed on the Cross.

My visit to Sacramento was a truly invigorating experience that left me filled with hope and a renewed sense of passion for our shared calling. These schools are truly “Bright Lights,” guiding their communities toward a deeper relationship with Christ while preparing the next generation of leaders.

Stay tuned as the tour continues to celebrate the remarkable stories of our schools across the country!

FACTS is dedicated to making educational dreams possible for families and students while enhancing the financial stability and affordability of education. Serving over 12,000 schools worldwide and more than three million students and families, FACTS provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to support administrators and learners alike in delivering exceptional educational experiences. FACTS works with many Catholic schools and dioceses across the United States and is proud to power the NCEA “Bright Lights of Catholic Education” tour, continuing its commitment to Catholic education for years to come.