HAMDEN—Connecticut native Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., a Provincial Councilor for the U.S. Province of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is one of two new appointees to the Board of Directors for the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).
As the largest private professional education association in the world, NCEA works with Catholic educators across the country to support ongoing faith formation and the teaching mission of the Catholic Church.
“I am grateful to Bishop Kicanas and the Board of Directors of NCEA for inviting me to join in supporting the mission of this important organization,” said Sr. Mary Grace. “Our Catholic schools provide vital resources to our communities, and I look forward to working with NCEA to further enhance the opportunities available to students and educators.”
Born and raised in New Haven, Sr. Mary Grace is a 1975 graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden. Until July 2020, she served the Archdiocese of Hartford for four years as Provost for Education, Evangelization and Catechesis, and as the President of Saint Thomas Seminary. She is currently President of Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis, the sister school of Sacred Heart Academy.
Sr. Mary Grace is a dedicated champion of Catholic education. Prior to her work with the Archdiocese of Hartford, she was Superintendent and Secretary of Catholic Education and Faith Formation in the Diocese of Bridgeport from 2006 to 2015. She has also served as an elementary and secondary school teacher and administrator in seven archdioceses/dioceses across the country.
Sr. Mary Grace holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Albertus Magnus College, a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from Saint Louis University, and a Ph.D. in educational administration/church leadership from Fordham University. She was appointed to the NCEA Board of Directors alongside Henry P. Fortier, secretary for education/superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Orlando.
“NCEA is blessed to have the expertise of Sister Mary Grace and Henry as part of the NCEA Board of Directors. Their insight and contributions will be valuable to the mission of NCEA,” Kathy Mears, NCEA Interim President/CEO, said in a press release.
About the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Founded by Blessed Clelia Merloni, the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are consecrated women of the Church who share the love of Christ through active ministry in the areas of education, healthcare, social services, and pastoral and Diocesan leadership. The Apostles minister in five states and 15 countries. The United States Provincialate is located in Hamden, Connecticut. Visit www.ascjus.org for more information.
