This past October, eight JSerra faculty and staff attended the 9th Annual Duc In Altum Schools Summit in Washington D.C. Held at the Catholic University of America, the conference featured keynotes and break-out sessions on Catholic education and formation, as well as time for collaboration among the 200-plus attendees from over 50 Catholic high schools and middle schools from across the country.

The Summit serves as the flagship event for the Duc In Altum (DIA) Schools Collaborative, officially established in 2015 by JSerra and four other Catholic high schools with a shared mission. The collaborative seeks to connect leaders, faculty, and staff of Catholic schools committed to excellence in all areas, including formation, academics, athletics, and community. The ultimate goal is to foster encounters with Christ at every level within the school network. 

The name "Duc in Altum" is derived from the Latin phrase "Cast out into the deep," the words spoken by Jesus to Peter before declaring him and the apostles as "fishers of men." The DIA Schools Collaborative aims to facilitate friendships, professional collaboration, and the sharing of best practices among faith-filled school members. This collective effort is designed to enhance each institution, support passionately Catholic education, and contribute to the transformation of societal culture. 

The collaborative is supported by two part-time employees, with Kyle Pietrantonio serving as DIA’s Executive Director, along with a board of directors that includes founding members Rich Meyer and Patrick Reidy. Highlights of the 2023 conference included the participation of JSerra attendees Rich Meyer, Eric Stroupe, Pat Reidy, Randall Justman, Anna White, Caroline Wilson, Sean Norris, and Ron Galonsky. Randall Justman, a presenter at the conference, shared the results of his involvement in the DIA Fellowship, focusing on enhancing JSerra’s parent formation through the Adelante program.

The week offered a blend of formation, fun, and professional development, featuring Mass, meals, socializing, and the exchange of insights from the engaging talks and presentations.

2023 Summit link: https://diaschools.org/events/summit-archive/year/2023/

2022 Summit Videos (from JSerra Center Room): Includes Sr. Miriam, Chis Kaczor, and Mary Rice Hasson: https://vimeo.com/user/105470206/folder/11522038