About Us

Welcome to Our Community

Mother Teresa Catholic Academy (MTCA) is a vibrant Preschool through Grade 8 Catholic school serving families throughout Crete and the surrounding communities.

Supported by the parish of St. Liborius (Steger) and rooted in the Diocese of Joliet, MTCA is dedicated to educating the whole child – mind, body, and spirit – through the light of the Gospel and the rich traditions of the Catholic Church.

Inspired by the example of Jesus the Master Teacher, we strive for excellence in academics while nurturing faith, character, and service. At MTCA, students are known, loved, and challenged to grow into confident learners, compassionate leaders, and faithful disciples.

Faith at the Center

Faith is woven into every aspect of life at Mother Teresa Catholic Academy. Through prayer, liturgy, religious instruction, and service opportunities, students are invited to develop a personal relationship with Christ and to live out their faith with compassion and integrity.

Students learn not only about the Catholic faith, but how to practice it – by serving others, showing kindness, and standing up for what is right. These experiences help form young people who are prepared to be thoughtful, faith-filled leaders in the world.

Mother Teresa Catholic Academy is committed to teaching as Jesus did by providing a faith-filled, academically excellent education. We foster a safe, supportive environment where students grow spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically – guided by Gospel values and a deep respect for the dignity of every child.

The spirit of St. Teresa’s famous reflection, “Do It Anyway,” reflects the heart of our community. Students are taught to choose kindness, perseverance, honesty, and generosity, no matter the circumstances, trusting that all we do is ultimately done for God.

“In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”

Faith at the Center

Faith is woven into every aspect of life at Mother Teresa Catholic Academy. Through prayer, liturgy, religious instruction, and service opportunities, students are invited to develop a personal relationship with Christ and to live out their faith with compassion and integrity.

Students learn not only about the Catholic faith, but how to practice it – by serving others, showing kindness, and standing up for what is right. These experiences help form young people who are prepared to be thoughtful, faith-filled leaders in the world.

Mother Teresa Catholic Academy is committed to teaching as Jesus did by providing a faith-filled, academically excellent education. We foster a safe, supportive environment where students grow spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically – guided by Gospel values and a deep respect for the dignity of every child.

The spirit of St. Teresa’s famous reflection, “Do It Anyway,” reflects the heart of our community. Students are taught to choose kindness, perseverance, honesty, and generosity, no matter the circumstances, trusting that all we do is ultimately done for God.

“In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”

Principal Announcement

Dear Families of Mother Teresa Catholic Academy,

It is with deep gratitude, great excitement, and a humble heart that I introduce myself as your Principal for the 2026-2027 School Year. I am truly honored to join the Mother Teresa Catholic Academy family and to serve your children and your families in this sacred mission of Catholic education.

I come to you with 30 years of experience in education, having served in many roles from classroom teacher to Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Most recently, I was the Principal of a PreK Center in Park Forest, Illinois. Throughout my career, I have been driven by the belief that every child is a gift from God and that our role as educators is to help each student discover their God-given potential academically, spiritually, and personally.

More importantly, I am an MTCA Parent Alumni – my three boys attended MTCA, and I know firsthand how amazing their experience was and how much I appreciated the support the staff showed my boys and our family. I also grew up at St. Liborius Church, with many cherished memories of CCD in the old two-story school and of doughnuts after church in the basement. I have lived in Crete for over 50 years, and I understand deeply how important this parish and school are for the entire community.

My vision for the upcoming year is one of collaborative partnership. I believe that our children thrive when families, staff, and administration work together in a spirit of open communication and shared purpose. I am committed to being accessible to you, listening to your ideas and concerns, and fostering a school environment where every child and every family feels valued, heard, and supported.

In the coming months, I look forward to meeting each of you at school events, at church and at the many wonderful activities that make MTCA so special. Please know that my door is always open. Whether you have ideas to share, questions on your mind, or simply want to say hello, I welcome every conversation.

I am deeply aware that this school’s foundation has been built by those who have poured their hearts into this community for generations. I do not take that legacy lightly. Together, guided by our faith and our commitment to the whole child, I know we will continue to do remarkable things for the students and families we serve.

Thank you for entrusting your children to Mother Teresa Catholic Academy. I am so glad to be here and cannot wait to get to know your family.

In faith and service,

Felice S. Hybert, ED.S

Dear Families and Friends of Mother Teresa Catholic Academy,

We are grateful for Mrs. Murray’s service and commitment to and love for Mother Teresa Catholic Academy. She has made the school with its warm, inviting and positive learning environment what it is. When we heard that Mrs. Murray would be leaving Mother Teresa, we were concerned that we might not find someone with this same commitment and love for the school.

I believe, however, that we have succeeded.

In consultation with the Catholic Schools Office, our teachers, hiring committee and Dr. Burns, I am honored to announce to you that we have hired Mrs. Felice Hybert as the next principal of our parish school. Not only does our new principal come with a high level of teaching and administrative experience, but Mrs. Hybert resides right here in Crete and sent her three children to Mother Teresa.

Mrs. Hybert served six years for the Kankakee School District as Assistant Superintendent of Schools and possesses significant leadership experience in curriculum and instruction as well as expertise in Early Childhood Education.

Although Mrs. Hybert’s tenure as principal does not formally begin until July 1st, she will be meeting with teachers this week and she will have a meet and greet with parents at 5 pm on Wednesday, May 12th, just prior to the band concert.

Please watch Mrs. Hybert’s introduction video and read her letter sent with this note.

The future of MTCA looks bright!

May Almighty God bless you and keep you.

Prayers.

Fr. Thomas Milota, Pastor

A Note From Our President & Principal

Mother Teresa Catholic Academy is a place where faith and learning flourish together. Our dedicated faculty and staff are deeply committed to the mission of Catholic education and to helping every child reach their God-given potential.

We believe Catholic schools play a unique and vital role in forming students who are academically prepared, spiritually grounded, and socially responsible. With high expectations, strong values, and a caring community, MTCA strives to be a pillar of excellence within the Diocese of Joliet.

We warmly invite you to become part of our MTCA family and to experience firsthand the joy, faith, and opportunity that define our school.

Dr. Kevin Burns, President
Mrs. Annie Murray, Principal

A Note From Our President & Principal

Mother Teresa Catholic Academy is a place where faith and learning flourish together. Our dedicated faculty and staff are deeply committed to the mission of Catholic education and to helping every child reach their God-given potential.

We believe Catholic schools play a unique and vital role in forming students who are academically prepared, spiritually grounded, and socially responsible. With high expectations, strong values, and a caring community, MTCA strives to be a pillar of excellence within the Diocese of Joliet.

We warmly invite you to become part of our MTCA family and to experience firsthand the joy, faith, and opportunity that define our school.

Dr. Kevin Burns, President
Mrs. Annie Murray, Principal

Keys to Success

A Community
Built On
Partnership

Parents as Partners

At MTCA, we recognize parents as the primary educators of their children. We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential to student success.

We encourage open and frequent communication and warmly welcome parents into our school community as volunteers, collaborators, and advocates. Through shared responsibility and mutual trust, we work together to support each child’s academic progress, faith development, and personal growth.

Communication & Support

Mother Teresa Catholic Academy utilizes FACTS to provide families with daily access to grades, assignments, and important updates. Teachers communicate regularly with parents regarding academic progress and student well-being, ensuring that each child receives the guidance, encouragement, and accountability needed to thrive.

ACCESS FACTS PORTAL
Keys to Success

A Community
Built On
Partnership

Parents as Partners

At MTCA, we recognize parents as the primary educators of their children. We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential to student success.

We encourage open and frequent communication and warmly welcome parents into our school community as volunteers, collaborators, and advocates. Through shared responsibility and mutual trust, we work together to support each child’s academic progress, faith development, and personal growth.

Communication & Support

Mother Teresa Catholic Academy utilizes FACTS to provide families with daily access to grades, assignments, and important updates. Teachers communicate regularly with parents regarding academic progress and student well-being, ensuring that each child receives the guidance, encouragement, and accountability needed to thrive.

ACCESS FACTS PORTAL

Our Patroness: St. Teresa of Calcutta

Mother Teresa Catholic Academy is proud to be named after St. Teresa of Calcutta, a powerful witness to Christ’s love in action. Her life of humility, service, and unwavering faith inspires our school community to see Jesus in every person, especially those most in need.

St. Teresa taught that true love flows from a deep relationship with Christ, particularly through the Eucharist. Her words—“I thirst”—remind us that Christ longs for our hearts and calls us to respond through selfless service.

At MTCA, students are encouraged to live out both the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, including comforting the afflicted and caring for those in need, following the example of our patroness.

Excellence in Learning. Grounded in Faith.

Mother Teresa Catholic Academy is a community where children grow in wisdom, faith, and love.

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