Lumen Christi Academies announced

Network of seven schools will support Catholic families and Catholic education in Oakland Diocese

For immediate release
September 29, 2017

OAKLAND – Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, announced today the legal incorporation of Lumen Christi Academies of the Diocese of Oakland, an organization of seven Catholic elementary schools within the Diocese.

The schools were selected through a rigorous review of their strengths and resources; demographic data shows these schools are needed to make Catholic education accessible to families who desire it.

The seven schools to become Lumen Christi Academies are: Queen of All Saints, Concord; St. Anthony, Oakland; St. Catherine of Siena, Martinez; St. Cornelius, Richmond; St. Elizabeth, Oakland; St. Paul, San Pablo; and St. Peter Martyr, Pittsburg.

“Our beloved Catholic schools have always been places of hope, inspiration and success; we must ensure this gift for our future generations,” explained Bishop Barber. “Lumen Christi Academies is a renewal of our commitment to strengthen and sustain Catholic education for our families.”

The Lumen Christi Academies, which will launch in the fall of 2018, are expected to attract families and major foundations interested in a robust academic setting permeated with Catholic values.

Lumen Christi Academies will be led by a board approved by Bishop Barber, consisting of community leaders committed to Catholic education with diverse professional backgrounds. It will have its own dedicated management to guide its mission, collaborating with the existing Department of Catholic Schools.

“We are already engaged with our principals, pastors, professionals and interested supporters,” explained Superintendent Kathleen Radecke. “Teams are actively working on mission and Catholic identity, governance, curriculum, human resources, development and fundraising, marketing, and more. The enthusiasm and dedication toward ensuring the foundational success of our Lumen Christi Academies is inspiring as we work together to establish an enduring Catholic school education for our children and their families.” The Lumen Christi Academies are being modeled after similar, successful efforts in Catholic dioceses across the country.

“Lumen Christi Academies are an innovative model of Catholic education,” explained Dr. Elizabeth Guneratne, who is serving as the project lead for Lumen Christi Academies during this transition year. “Leveraging the resources and knowledge of our diverse network of schools, we will build upon our traditions of spiritual and academic formation for children with a renewed focus on excellence, equity, and enlightenment. We are blending the best of our Catholic school traditions with a bold new commitment to preparing ethical scholars who will illuminate a more just and joyful future. We are not just keeping the lights on – we built a new grid and we are lighting the way together for our children, families and communities.”

The Diocese of Oakland serves two counties in the East Bay region, Alameda and Contra Costa, and includes approximately 400,000 Catholics in 84 parishes.