Diocese of Portland Launches State-Wide Initiative in Support of Catholic Education

Today, the Diocese of Portland formally announces the Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education Initiative, an integrated approach dedicated to providing exceptional education for families who value an authentic Catholic learning environment. Named for the first U.S. citizen to be canonized as a saint, the initiative expands the diocese’s efforts beyond existing Catholic schools.

“Through the Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education Initiative, the diocese is building upon the already strong foundation of our parish and diocesan elementary and middle schools by creating a collaborative for homeschool families, supporting our teachers and leadership in their ongoing training and formation, and broadening our mission throughout the state,” said Superintendent of Maine Catholic Schools Shelly Wheeler.

Cabrini Schools

Funded by a generous private donation, a major undertaking of real pastoral consequence within the initiative is the formation of small diocesan classical, liberal arts, Catholic high schools – Cabrini Schools. Two Cabrini Schools will open for the fall of 2026, in Brunswick and Brewer.

A Cabrini School exists to form students who are fully alive in Christ so that they may think, act, and love with the mind and heart of the Church. Rooted in the truth of the human person as a composite of body and soul, created in the image of God, Cabrini Schools educate not only for knowledge but for wisdom, not only for personal achievement but for communion.

Through an integrated classical curriculum, a vibrant spiritual life, and partnership with parents, Cabrini Schools strive to cultivate articulate and joyful witnesses who can engage and transform culture through the light of faith. To learn more about the Cabrini School model, visit this page.

Recent Programming

Since the inception of the Cabrini Initiative, the diocese has offered programming for teachers and principals, including a retreat this past summer at St. Joseph’s College of Maine with sessions facilitated by representatives from the Institute for the Transformation of Catholic Education at The Catholic University of America. A grant program for homeschool families and cooperatives has also been initiated to offer financial support for educational resources. To learn more, click here.

Through the initiative, Catholic schools in the diocese have transitioned to a new common religion curriculum. Several middle schools (grades 6-8) have adopted a classical pedagogical approach to teaching. This includes new curriculum resources in English/Language Arts (ELA), Social Studies, and Latin. Civics instruction has also been implemented for grades 4 and up. All eight schools have also received $50,000 for individual school needs including tuition assistance, new curriculum and to support the cost of new positions.

“Catholic education is at the heart of the Church’s mission,” said Bishop James T. Ruggieri. “Through our schools, homeschooling, and catechesis, we are forming disciples, strengthening families, and building up a culture of life, truth, and charity through sound teaching, spiritual depth, and communal support.”

Backpack Program

As part of the initiative, the diocese is launching a backpack program for all students being educated in the Catholic tradition. During the Christmas season, all students in Catholic schools and homeschool programs will receive an LL Bean backpack with supplies, a rosary and a guide for praying the rosary. Donors can sponsor one or more backpacks, a tangible way to support students. To give today, visit this page.

Those seeking to learn more about the initiative, or to support its efforts, may contact [email protected].