“Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.”
- ROMANS 5:5
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Grace and peace! It is with great joy and deep gratitude that I share with you this year’s St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School Stewardship Report, guided by the theme “A Vision of Hope.” This phrase is more than a slogan, it is the heart of our mission. Hope is what sustains us as a parish family, fuels our ministries, and draws us deeper into the mystery of God’s providence at work in our lives.
Since 1902, St. Benedict has stood as a beacon of faith, learning, and community in the heart of Chicago. From the beauty of our liturgies and the vibrancy of our parish ministries to the life-giving mission of our school, we are part of a living tradition that looks forward with confidence. This report celebrates the many ways our community has embodied Christian stewardship over the past year: through worship, service, education, and generosity. It also invites us to dream boldly about our future.
As your new pastor, I have been inspired by the extraordinary commitment of parishioners, families, faculty, and staff who make St. Benedict such a thriving community of faith. Your prayers, presence, and sacrifices have helped our parish flourish. In these pages, you will find highlights of our parish and school life, testimonies of God’s grace, and a clear account of the financial resources entrusted to our care.
But this report is not only a reflection on the past year, it is a vision document for the future. In the months ahead, we will continue to discern how we can strengthen our parish for generations to come through renewed investment in our mission and campus. Together, we can build upon the firm foundation laid by those who came before us.
Let us continue to walk forward, rooted in faith, animated by love, and strengthened by hope in Jesus Christ, as we become great saints together.
In Christ’s Sacred Heart, Fr. Robert Ryan
Pastor
St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School
By Fr. Robert Ryan, Pastor
When I first arrived at St. Benedict Parish in July 2025, it was in the wake of the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved pastor, Fr. Steve. His death left a profound void in this community, a community that loved him deeply and grew with him during a time of extraordinary ministry and renewal. Stepping into this role as your pastor has been a humbling privilege. From the moment I arrived, I have been deeply moved by the faith, joy, and resilience of the people of St. Benedict’s. I have experienced a parish that loves Jesus Christ, loves His church, and loves one another.
Time and again, parishioners have asked me, “Father, what is your vision?” And my answer is always the same: “The Church exists for the salvation of souls.” That truth stands at the center of everything we do. It is why we gather in worship, why we teach and form our young people, why we care for one another in times of joy and sorrow, and why we continue to dream boldly about our future. This conviction is also why you so often hear me say with a smile, “Let’s become great saints together!” That invitation is not just a catchy phrase; it’s the heart of our mission.
Honoring a Legacy of Faith
For more than a century, St. Benedict’s has stood as a beacon of faith and hope on the North Side of Chicago. Founded by and for German immigrants who came seeking a new life, this parish quickly became a place of welcome, stability, and community. Over the decades, that mission has only grown richer. Today, our parish family reflects the vibrant diversity of the city around us, people of different backgrounds and stories, united by a shared desire to follow Christ and build His Kingdom here and now.
This legacy is not something we simply admire; it is something we inherit and are called to build upon. We give thanks for those who came before us, priests, sisters, families, and parishioners, whose sacrifices and generosity built not only these beautiful buildings but the living community of faith that continues to flourish today.
Photos:
Above: Interior of Chiurch in 1952 ; 1920's classroom
Listening to the Heartbeat of the Parish
One of my first opportunities to hear from you directly came during our Parish Leadership Town Hall in September; a gathering originally begun under Fr. Steve and faithfully carried forward by Rachel Gemo and Kim McMillan. What unfolded that evening was not just another meeting. It was, in every sense of the word, a movement of the Holy Spirit.
For nearly two hours, we listened to one another. We shared stories, laughed together, and even shed a few tears. What touched me most was the honesty and hope in your voices. Parishioners spoke from the heart about their love for this community, their hopes for its future, and the ways they long to grow in faith. I left that night deeply encouraged, not because we have all the answers, but because we are a community willing to dream, to speak, and to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit together.
Growing in Faith Together
I am excited to share that some of those hopes expressed at the Town Hall are already taking shape. Many of you spoke with passion about the need for adult faith formation and catechesis, a hunger to deepen your relationship with Christ and to grow more confident in sharing the faith with others. In response, this November we will begin a new series of adult formation opportunities, beginning with a talk on the power of prayer. Over time, these offerings will grow to include small groups, Bible studies, catechetical series, and guest speakers—drawing from the richness of our Catholic tradition. My hope is that every parishioner, no matter their age or stage of life, will find opportunities to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
A Parish Rooted in Prayer
Another common desire shared that evening was for more opportunities for personal prayer and Eucharistic adoration. This longing is a sign of something truly beautiful, a parish that wants to be closer to the Lord. In response, we are launching “Be Still Fridays,” opening the church on Friday afternoons for families and individuals to spend time in silence before the Blessed Sacrament.
This is not simply an event on the calendar; it is the beginning of what I hope will be a growing culture of prayer at St. Benedict’s. When a parish is rooted in Eucharistic prayer, everything else flows from it: stronger families, deeper friendships, greater compassion, and clearer vision. My dream is that our parish will be known not only for its programs and activities, but as a house of prayer where people encounter the living God.
Strengthening the Foundations for Mission
Our vision for the future is not only spiritual but also practical. A vibrant mission requires strong foundations. That is why we are taking a careful and prayerful inventory of our finances, facilities, technology infrastructure, parish ministries, and staffing. This process is not about simply keeping the lights on. It is about ensuring that our resources serve the mission of the Church effectively and sustainably.
Bishop Siemanowski and the congregation ask for the blessing of the Holy Spirit as Fr. Ryan begins his ministry here.
Helping our teachers serve at our annual Parent Mixer
Fr. Ryan and our Religious Education Program team
Fr. Ryan and the other 3 judges of St. Ben's Got Talent
Our July Parish Patrons Celebration outdoors with Fr. Ryan as the main celebrant
Blessing of the beer at Oktoberfest 2025
In the months to come, we will begin sharing more about this vision as it develops, including the early stages of planning for a capital campaign to support and strengthen our mission for the next generation. These investments are not just in bricks and mortar but in the future of our parish. A future where our facilities reflect the beauty of our faith, our technology serves our people, and our ministries are equipped to bear fruit for years to come.
A Future Full of Hope
As we look forward, we do so with gratitude for the past and hope for the future. God has been faithful to St. Benedict’s through many generations, and He continues to call us to deeper faith, wider hospitality, and bolder mission. We are not merely maintaining a parish; we are building the Church of the future, rooted in the Eucharist, formed by the Gospel, and strengthened by the Communion we share.
God is not finished with St. Benedict’s. In many ways, I believe He is just beginning a new and beautiful work in us. We have been entrusted with something precious, and now we are called to be good stewards of that gift, so that our children and grandchildren will inherit a parish as vibrant, faith-filled, and hopeful as the one we have received.
Let us walk together into that future, confident that the Holy Spirit is already at work among us. Let us be a people who remember with gratitude, act with courage, and dream with hope. And above all, let us strive, side by side, to become great saints together.
In Christ’s Sacred Heart, Fr. Robert Ryan, Pastor St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School
Fr. Ryan and the children preparing for Children's Liturgy of the Word.
The Legacy of Fr. Steve Kanonik and My Time as Administrator
By Fr. Tom Refermat
In July of 2017, Fr. Steve Kanonik arrived at St. Benedict parish full of hope and joy. After his service to the Archdiocese as Moderator of the Curia, he yearned to go back to parish life to serve as he felt called to serve, as a pastor and priest.
Fr. Steve was a good steward, who appreciated what he had been given, and used his resources to the best of his ability. He lived simply and never misused or lived beyond his allowance.
There was a sense of joy in Fr. Steve’s demeanor. He liked to joke around to those who he was close to, and had a generous heart. Students, parishioners, staff, and faculty felt at ease with Fr. Steve, and enjoyed their time with him.
Pastorally, Fr. Steve was concerned about the faith of the parishioners, both wishing to further the faith of parishioners through adult education and striving to “go after the lost sheep” trying to bring students, families, and wayward souls back to Christ and the Church. Last year he dedicated much time teaching the Confirmation class in the Religious Education Program, hoping to bring back or keep in the Church those in the Confirmation program. He frequently spent many hours preparing the lesson plans for his students, making sure his students received a thorough understanding of the Faith.
Cooperating with the Archdiocese of Chicago, he focused his attention on Evangelization, trying to provide “soft openings” for the estranged and attempting to rejuvenate the parish.
This past year, Fr. Steve continued to be focused on hospitality, which he added a new parish ministry/ organization in this area after hosting a day long conference for the leaders and parishioners of the parish. He also was preparing for the Capital Campaign for the parish.
Fr. Steve frequently worked independently, giving his all in whatever ministry he was doing at the time. No one was turned away from a wedding or baptism, even if they were not parishioners, had moved away, or were new to the parish. All were welcome to join us.
In early January 2025, tragedy hit when Fr. Steve did not rise from his room after a cold night. He died in his sleep.
After the initial shock of losing a pastor, only 68 years of age, the parish came together to prepare and plan with his family a funeral. The staff worked together in taking charge and implementing the wishes of his family. Each parish organization wanted to help out!
As I reminded Fr. Steve many times, we are blessed at St. Ben’s with a great staff. I don’t think I would have wanted anyone else to help prepare for the months ahead. Each member uniquely stepping up to first prepare for the funeral, then helping to lead the parish in the interim before a new pastor arrived.
Between January through June, 2025, it was a time of learning for the staff: learning how to better communicate and support one another, but also learning where Fr. Steve kept things. We spent weeks searching for keys and combinations!
During this time, I want to highlight some of the men and women who have helped provide leadership and support during this time of mourning and growth. Scott Arkenberg, our music director, was able to work particularly with the various ministries of the parish to bring them together. He was able to get the program, Ministry Scheduler Pro, up and running, after over a year when it wasn’t used effectively. He also was invaluable to help me in getting priests to help with Masses and Confessions during the interim. Kim McMillan, our Youth Minister, did much more than youth ministry during this time, spending long hours going through documents and papers with me and cleaning rooms in preparation for the next pastor. She was an enormous help in providing wisdom in making decisions and supporting me as
we moved forward. She was a voice of reason and able to give a second opinion when needed. Norma Vazquez, our Director of Catechesis, also helped in being available and assisting in various areas. Ellen Roberts, our parish secretary, was not only able to help us understand parish protocol, but also helped in making decisions in moving forward with the loss of a priest on staff. Both Rachel Gemo and Joe Accardi were able to provide guidance particularly when it came to the school and support in how to proceed forward. Finally, Jeanne Anderson was invaluable in providing insight as to how things were run in the past, how to move forward, and keeping ourselves on budget. She is a gem to work with, being able to take care of mechanical issues, knowing who to go to for help or advice, and giving wisdom from her vast past experiences both in business and at a previous parish. Each of these people, were invaluable in moving forward and I could not have moved ahead without any one of them. They all deserve a heartfelt thank you and recognition for their help! I can’t say enough about each of them.
The past six months had two purposes in mind: mourn and prepare for the new pastor. We took the time, as a parish, to mourn and come together to remember our beloved pastor. Through planning of the liturgy, prayer, and lots of time talking to one another, we were able to voice our loss and say goodbye to a great pastor. As we initially did not know who the new pastor would be, there were still many things that had to be accomplished. All major projects were put on hold, particularly the Capital Campaign. We learned what we needed and I tried to provide encouragement to move forward. We also learned where to place things, particularly in an emergency, frequently thinking that if one of us were to die, where would we keep important information and keys, and who do we share this with.
As the new pastor begins to settle in, I am proud and blessed to have known this staff, who has come together, learned how to communicate even better, and provided a shoulder to lean on during tough times. The parish itself has come together to heal and support one another. It is a unique parish that is closely connected, and it was seen through such a tragedy. If they weren’t family before this, I can safely say, they have even more so become family to me in a special way. I am confident that the new pastor will do great things because he comes into a parish who loves one another, supports each other, and is able to do amazing things with God’s help! What a blessing and a source of hope in this parish! I’m grateful to be a part of it.
will never forget how generous Fr. Steve was with Holy Water blessings!
Music Ministry A Generosity of Heart and Spirit
By Scott Arkenberg, Head of Music Ministry
It’s been three short years since I began as Music Director here at Saint Ben’s and much has happened due to the generosity of heart and spirit.
The support of the parish community on so many levels has been amazing! I am blessed to be a steward of your Music Programs here at Saint Benedict. I just want to share some great changes and initiatives in our program.
Reinstallation of the Parish Organ
Due to the very generous donation of a parishioner, we were able to move the organ down to the floor by the choir and music area. Since cantors and choir lead from this area, it made so much more sense to have the organ brought back down. It’s a gift. Now all of our music making is centralized and in the body of the church!
Our Gallery Choir has Grown
As of today we have 34 active members in our Parish “Gallery” Choir. Young and old, great and small come together to lead the song at our 10am weekly liturgies as well as all of our major feasts and celebrations. 23 new members have come forward to lend their voice including two young high school girls who add much joy to the group. And, we are still growing! Our goal is to have 55 singers in our group. This is generosity of heart and spirit.
Cantors’ Guild
This group has grown in leaps and bounds as well. We still have our beloved regulars, but we have added a young high school girl to the guild as well as several new parishioners who have generously given of their time and talents.
Sarah Ma, Mary Bridget Kustusch, Gordon Ziegenhagen, Krista Dorgan, Ainslie Rooney, John Brennan, Jessica Madsen, Tim Dowling, Gabriella Accardi as well as our 10am choir “Section Leaders,” who cantor from time to time.
Photos Top: Ainslie and Sammy add so much joy to the group;
Bottom left: Our “Gallery Singers” choir is growing.
Bottom right: Our Section Leaders
Holiday Pops Concert
Continuing the tradition of a Parish Christmas Concert, we have embraced the spirit of the Holiday Pops Chicago Concert. This musical centerpiece rings in the holiday season and features an 80 voice choir made up of our parish choir members and additional singers from our parish and the surrounding communities. This major fundraiser for the parish music program features Stefan Hot and Allison Rosati of NBC5 as hosts, along with Santa Claus and various special guests.
Generous Donations
Generous donations from several parishioners have allowed us to:
1) Augment our parish Music Library
Restructuring the library is in initial stages and hopes to be completed this upcoming year. All music will be catalogued, labeled and filed and an extensive spread sheet is being finalized as good stewardship for the parish treasures
2) Purchase a 4 octave set of English handbells which will not only enhance our liturgies but bring together parents and teens to form a Handbell Choir
3) Acquire a set of Conga Drums for our Mustard Seed Choir
4) Purchase a set of orchestra chimes for our various concerts and liturgies.
Future Dreams
These include forming the Handbell Choir specifically focusing on our teens; CAROLLING ON THE STEPS, a community event held on the front steps of our church - This year it will be Sunday, December 14 at 5pm - and several Taizé Prayer Services throughout the year with a possibility of several Midnight Prayer Services. As you can see, these last years have seen great growth and excitement.
From top: Our Holiday Pops Chorus; Our graduates lend a hand as Ushers and reconnect friendships; Even Santa Claus makes an appearance;
Catechesis Nurturing Faith Across Generations
By Norma Vazquez, Director of Catechesis
Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of leading our parish’s Religious Education ministry, which includes three vital areas: Religious Education for children and youth, Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation, and the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). Each program reflects our parish’s commitment to forming disciples, nurturing faith, and walking with individuals and families on their journey with Christ.
Religious Education: A Journey of Faith and Formation
Our Religious Education program thrives because of the generous spirit of our volunteer catechists and the families who return year after year. Catechists are the heart of the program, offering their time and faith to guide our children, while parents entrust us with their children’s formation, creating a vibrant community of learning and love. Here are two of our catechists’ stories, each reflecting the heart of our ministry and the joy of sharing faith:
Hubertus von Lanzenauer – 6th Grade Catechist Hubertus recalls his childhood, it all begins as a kid, having to wake up early. "Regardless of snowy and chilly weather or how tired and cranky we were, we had to go to Mass. I hated it and was not focused. Eventually I started to appreciate how everyone came together to create a wonderful celebration. Now is the time to give back. Sharing my faith and the love of Christ with our community strengthens us each day—especially in these challenging times. I am honored to contribute to the life of the Church so that future generations can come to appreciate it as I do."
Jennifer Dohm – 2nd Grade Catechist & Family "My journey to become a catechist began ten years ago,” Jennifer shared. "The kindness of my children’s catechists was a telling sign of God’s plan for me.” Inspired by their example, she began teaching and found joy in helping children understand they are unique, special, and made in the image of God. She continues to witness the growth of her students each year and finds deep fulfillment in starting her Sundays by sharing faith with them. "Our children truly do learn from their parents and even try to emulate them; both of my children, Henry, and Catherine, now serve as catechetical aides and are active in St. Ben’s Youth Ministry". When asked why they volunteer, Henry said, “I like seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces every week as they learn about Jesus and their faith.” Catherine added, “I remember making crafts and singing songs in RE, and I love watching the younger kids grow from the beginning of the year to the end."
Sacramental Preparation: Steps Toward Grace
Preparing children for First Reconciliation is often a tender process. Many begin unsure or nervous, but with gentle guidance and prayer, they come
to understand the beauty of God’s mercy. Their excitement grows as they approach First Communion— the joyful moment of receiving Jesus for the first time and feeling truly part of the Church.
To support this journey, we offer workshops and meetings for First Communion families, encouraging parents to attend and prepare alongside their children. For Confirmation candidates, we host retreats that foster personal reflection and spiritual growth, with opportunities for parents to participate and strengthen their shared commitment to faith.
OCIA: A Journey of Belonging
OCIA continues to be a sacred space for those seeking to enter the Catholic Church or deepen their relationship with Christ. Over the past two years, we have welcomed candidates from all walks of life—each with a unique story of faith:
Elder Lira (2025) "When I entered the OCIA process, my goal was to complete the Sacrament of Confirmation and reconnect more intentionally with my Catholic faith. Having been baptized and received First Communion as a child, I had spent many years away from the Church. OCIA provided a structured way to revisit the foundations of my beliefs, helping me see familiar teachings in a new light and deepening my understanding of the sacraments. Hearing diverse perspectives reminded me that faith is lived in many ways and that the Church is a community striving to grow closer to God. Receiving Confirmation was a meaningful step in owning my faith, and I left the process with a clearer sense of what it means to live as a Catholic continuing to learn, participating actively in parish life, and allowing my faith to shape my approach to marriage, work, and relationships. Overall, OCIA was a time of learning and discernment that reaffirmed the importance of ongoing formation and staying connected to the Church community, and I am deeply grateful for the spiritual growth it brought me."
Elizabeth (Liz) Keo (2024) Liz was baptized in 2024 after completing OCIA and quickly became an active part of parish life. She began as a Catechist Aide and now teaches her own 3rd grade class. Liz hopes to see more OCIA participants invited into ministry roles, saying, “It helped me grow—I want others to feel that same welcome and purpose.”
Donna Whalley (2001) Confirmed through RCIA in 2001, Donna found her spiritual home at St. Benedict Parish in 2020. Since then, she has become a guiding presence in our community, serving faithfully as a Lector and a dedicated member of the OCIA team. “I love helping others on the same journey I once took,” she shares, her voice filled with compassion and conviction. For Donna, OCIA isn’t just a program—it’s a pathway to transformation. She dreams of seeing more parishioners step forward as sponsors and mentors, walking alongside others with the same grace and encouragement that once welcomed her.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next
As we give thanks for the blessings of the past two years, we also look forward with purpose. In Religious Education, we hope to strengthen catechist support, enhance our curriculum with more family-centered learning, and continue welcoming new families. In Sacramental Preparation, we plan to enrich the retreat experience and offer more opportunities for family engagement. Through OCIA, we hope to offer seasonal inquiry sessions that welcome questions and exploration, foster a supportive community for those newly initiated, and encourage more parishioners to walk alongside others as sponsors and companions on their faith journey.
George, Elder, Valentina, and Father Tom - OCIA 2025
Youth Ministry Accompanying the Next Generation in Faith and Action
By Kim McMillan, Director of Youth Ministry
Helping Young People feel they belong, are heard, and can build a more just world.
In every parish, the presence of young people is a sign of hope. They bring energy, curiosity, honesty, and a desire to make the world better. Yet in a culture that often measures worth by achievement or popularity, many long for a place where they are seen for who they truly are—beloved children of God. A parish youth ministry grounded in belonging, providing space for young people to use their voice, and opportunities to practice living their faith is what we strive for at St Benedict Parish. We want to offer a sacred space where young people grow as disciples and as changemakers in a world that deeply needs both faith and compassion.
At its heart, youth ministry is about relationships—relationships that reflect God’s unconditional love. When a parish commits to creating a ministry of belonging, it sends a clear message: you matter here. We hope from the moment a young person walks through the door, they feel that this community is their spiritual home.
Creating that sense of belonging takes intentionality. It means greeting each young person by name, inviting them to share their gifts, and ensuring that programs reflect the diversity of their experiences. It also means supporting them through the challenges of life—when faith can feel fragile and questions come faster than answers.
In a parish that values belonging, youth ministry is not just an event or a program. It’s a culture. Young people serve as lectors and musicians at Mass: they lead Children’s Liturgy of the word and share their faith at Vacation Bible Camp. They participate in service projects and explore ways to use their charisms and gifts to help others see Christ’s light. When the parish celebrates their milestones and supports them as their faith grows, it strengthens the whole Body of Christ.
Belonging naturally leads to voice. Once young people know they are welcome, they begin to trust that their perspectives matter. A parish youth ministry rooted in authentic listening invites teens not only to participate, but to help shape the vision of the community itself.
Giving youth a voice means inviting their leadership. It means letting them plan a service project, choose topics for faith discussions, or lead prayer in their own style. It’s about more than token involvement; it is about co-responsibility. When we allow young people to express their faith creatively—through music, art, social media, or advocacy—we affirm that the Spirit moves powerfully through them.
It also means being unafraid of their questions. Many teens wrestle with issues of justice, inclusion, identity, and doubt. They want to understand how the Gospel speaks to the real struggles of our world. A parish that listens rather than lectures helps them discern how their faith can meet the moment. In doing so, we discover that their questions often deepen our faith as adults, too.
When belonging and voice take root, service naturally blossoms. Young people are eager to have an influence. They want their lives to have purpose, and they want to discover that purpose—to see God’s
love for them, translated into gratitude and action. A vibrant youth ministry channels that passion into meaningful service that both challenges and inspires.
At St. Benedict Parish, for example, youth explored the question: what more could we do for those who are unhoused, and their solution was to have a bake sale to raise money to purchase comfort items for our neighbors. Beyond projects, they reflect on why they serve—connecting acts of kindness to the Church’s call for justice and solidarity.
We hope this helps them recognize that service is more than charity, but a way of life. We hope this helps them discover that even small acts like— writing thank you letters to veterans, listening to a neighbor’s story—can ripple outward to transform lives.
Pope Francis often reminded the Church that ministry with young people is not about “doing for” but about “walking with.” Adults, whether parents, teachers, or parish volunteers—do not need all the answers. What they need is a heart willing to accompany.
Accompaniment is patience. It means showing up, listening, laughing, and praying side by side. It means creating spaces where youth can explore vocation—not only to priesthood or religious life, but to the unique calling God places in every heart. When adults model humility and curiosity, young people learn that faith is not static but alive, growing, and full of mystery.
Every parish can nurture this culture of accompaniment. It begins with a few committed adults willing to invest time and love. It grows when the whole community prays for and supports its youth, seeing them not as “the future Church” but as the Church right now.
A Hopeful Vision
In a world marked by division and discouragement, parish youth ministry can be a source of light. When young people experience belonging, discover their voice, and serve others with purpose, they reflect the very heart of the Gospel. They remind us all that the Church is most alive when it listens, welcomes, and acts in love.
As one young parishioner recently said after a service experience, “I came thinking we were here to help others, but I realized the people we met helped me see what faith really means.” That is the grace of youth ministry—it transforms everyone it touches.
Let’s commit to a parish where every young person knows they are valued, heard, and empowered to bring God’s justice and joy into the world. Together, we can accompany the next generation in faith and action—and in doing so, rediscover the hope that Christ has already planted among us.
RE Confirmande host a Bake Sale raising funds to purchase items for Kindness Bags, for those experiencing homelessness
Vacation Bible Camp youth leaders become great mentors to our Vacation Bible Camp participants
St Ben youth serving tacos to our daily lunch program recipients through the Youth Ministry Summer Service week
Vacation Bible Camp youth leaders help VBC participants with one of the daily lessons
Education Rooted in Faith: The Power and Promise of a St. Benedict Prep Education
By Rachel Gemo, Head of School
This year, St. Benedict Prep rolled out our Root Belief Statements written by the members of the 2024-25 School Improvement Leadership Team. Catholic education is a gift, and at its heart are the root beliefs that guide our community and shape our identity. These beliefs are not just ideals; they are living truths that call us to action, reflection, and transformation into saints.
At St. Benedict Preparatory School, our root beliefs are the foundation of everything we do. They are:
1. We are all made in the image and likeness of God (Imago Dei)
2. Learning and faith are the heart of all that we do
3. We grow through perseverance
4. Together we grow our future
Each of these beliefs reflects a deep theological and educational truth, and together they form a vision for how we can live, learn, and grow as a parish school community.
Imago Dei: We Are All Made in the Image and Likeness of God
The Book of Genesis teaches us that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God: Imago Dei. This profound truth means that we possess qualities that mirror God's own nature: intellect, goodness, and the capacity for love. It does not refer to physical appearance, but to the divine spark within each person.
In our parish and school community, we model Imago Dei by creating inclusive environments where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. We affirm the dignity of each person through our words and actions, and we teach our students to do the same. We also recognize our responsibility to care for creation and to reflect God's character in our relationships—with kindness, patience, and love.
Learning and Faith Are the Heart of All That We Do
At St. Benedict, we believe that learning and faith are inseparable. Faith is not confined to religion class or Sunday Mass; it is the lens through which we understand the world, ourselves, and our place in God’s plan. Learning, when rooted in faith, becomes a sacred journey of discovery and growth.
In our parish school, we model this belief by integrating prayer, Scripture, and Gospel values into everyday learning. We encourage curiosity and critical thinking, knowing that questions can lead to deeper understanding. We support students in developing resilience and self-awareness, helping them navigate life’s challenges with grace and courage.
We Grow Through Perseverance
Growth is not always easy. It requires effort, courage, and the willingness to face setbacks. That’s why our third root belief - We grow through perseverance -is so vital. At St. Benedict, we encourage students to learn fearlessly, embracing a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities and mistakes as steppingstones.
Perseverance builds confidence, one of our seven “C’s” of St Benedict Prep education. It fosters gritthe ability to keep going even when things are hard. And it strengthens character, cultivating patience, humility, and tenacity. These are not just academic skills; they are spiritual virtues that reflect the journey of faith itself. We create spaces where students feel safe to take risks, ask for help, and try again. And we remind them that God walks with them in every struggle, offering grace and strength.
Together We Grow Our Future
Our final root belief affirms the power of community. God made us to live in communion with one another, and Catholic education thrives when we embrace collaboration, shared responsibility, and collective action. Just as the Apostles came together after Pentecost to build the Church, we are called to work together to build a future rooted in faith, justice, and love.
This belief highlights another of our seven “C’s”: Collaboration. It reminds us that we are interdependent, that each person has something valuable to contribute, and that inclusivity strengthens our community. We grow our future together when parents, teachers, clergy, and students unite in mission. When we support one another, share our gifts, and lift each other up. When we create a culture of belonging where everyone feels welcome and empowered to lead. And when we recognize that our collective efforts, no matter how small, can transform lives and communities.
St. Benedict Prep Rates High in Essential School Qualities
Needed for Excellence
Students, teachers and parents continue to highlight essential SBPS strengths (data from Spring 2025 5Essentials survey)
The 5Essentials were developed by the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute, in partnership with Chicago Public Schools. Past research has shown that schools strong on at least three of the five essentials are 10 times more likely to improve student learning than schools weak on three or more of the five essentials.
98% of teachers report overall satisfaction with SBPS 90% of teachers would recommend a colleague, friend or family member apply for a teaching, support staff or administration position at SBPS
Score 99
In schools with strong Teacher-Parent Trust, teachers view parents as partners in improving student learning.
Score 81
In schools with strong Human & Social Resources in the Community, students come from communities where there are adults they can trust who provide a safe environment.
Score 73
In schools with strong Program Coherence, school programs are coordinated and consistent with its goals for student learning.
100% of teachers feel that the majority of SBPS parents support their professional judgement
100% of teachers feel supported by the administration of SBPS
Score
99
In schools with strong Socialization of New Teachers, new teachers are included in the professional community and are given helpful feedback on their instructional practices.
Score 78
In schools with strong Student Responsibility, teachers report that students are active participants in their own learning and that they regularly attend class prepared to learn.
Score 72
In schools with strong Quality of Student Discussion, students participate in classroom discussions that build their critical thinking skills.
Score 89
In schools with strong Parent Involvement in School, parents participate in school activities related to their child’s academic growth.
Score 78
In schools with a strong Classroom Culture, fewer disruptions to student learning help create an environment where all students can thrive academically
Score 70
In schools with strong Student Peer Relationships, students treat each other with respect, work well together, and help each other learn.
Education Test Scores
St. Benedict Prep Students Continue to perform in the top 15% of schools nationwide in iReady in both Reading and Math.
Reading Math
iReady Reading - Spring 2025
iReady Math - Spring 2025
St. Kateri Center Changing the Narrative about Indigenous People
By Jody Roy, Director of St. Kateri Center
At the St. Kateri Center, the director and leadership circle members oversee and maintain vital services for our Native American community in the Chicagoland area. They also provide a place for non-natives to learn and experience how Native Americans integrate their spirituality. This demonstrates how our people remain resilient in surviving generational and historical trauma. Our Native American community lost the Chicago Public School American Indian Education Program (CPS-AIEP) and Indigenous-Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (I-STEM), which served our Native American Indigenous youth. This past year, the St. Kateri Center addressed some of the community's pressing needs.
In our programming and activities, we incorporate the Seven Grandfather teachings. These are ethical and moral teachings that can align with the Ten Commandments. For our youth, we have hosted camps for winter, spring, and summer breaks. We do this in partnership with American Indian Health Services of Chicago and the Forest Preserve of Cook County. These camps include cultural teachings, prayer, STEM activities, and feature field trips to museums, zoos, and theaters. Throughout our programming, we served over 82 youths this past year. With the CPS-AIEP program suspended, we joined the Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative (CAICC) to provide a Community Achievement Celebration. This event recognized and honored all our Native American Community Graduates. We had 35 graduates registered from kindergarten up through post-secondary institutions. This was our highest number of graduates in a few years.
Like many organizations after Covid, overall the Church is struggling to bring people back to Mass. Personal reminders by phone or email have increased participation at Mass. During Lent, Deacon Larry Deschaine of the Charleston Diocese, who is of Native American descent, revised a Native American Stations of the Cross called "The Healing Journey." We at St. Kateri Center quickly accepted and used this version for Lent. We used it both at St. Benedict Parish and at Holy Name Cathedral. The National Catholic Reporter featured Deacon Larry and the St. Kateri Center regarding this version. This article helped create awareness about the work of the St. Kateri Center.
2025 Summer Youth Camp
2025 Stations of the Cross, Holy Name Cathedral
2025 Kateri Family Retreat
Despite less funding and rising costs from inflation, we still continue our ministry and programs. Our senior luncheon program provides home-cooked meals for seniors and elders once a month. Many Native American elders in Chicago are on fixed incomes. Providing a meal each month helps reduce their burden. It also lets them gather in kinship and share a prayer before lunch to continue the healing process. St. Kateri Center nurtures the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of Native American people distanced from their lands, tribes, and sometimes families. We currently serve over 90 seniors and elders through this program. We are seeing an increase of new participants as more community members come of age.
For our 4th Annual Family Retreat in 2025, we had 31 participants and continued the retreat's success. Our two primary events remain the Annual St. Kateri Center Pow Wow and Every Child Matters Awareness Pow Wow. We also partner with American Indian Health Services for Roc Your Mocs and the Community Christmas Celebration, providing holiday food baskets and gifts to families in need. Educational institutions continue to visit the St. Kateri Center, where we share the life of St. Kateri and our story through multiple events, serving over 2,800 people throughout the year.
We have completed an official set of guidelines with terms and expectations for the St. Kateri Center Leadership. The current Mission Statement is too lengthy, so we have condensed it. We will launch them soon. We are also developing our next five-year strategic plan to focus on the future of Kateri. Sr. Kateri Mitchell facilitated our Leadership Retreat to begin work on revising the mission, vision, leadership guidelines, and strategic plan. It was a humble honor to have a relic of St. Kateri in our presence. We concluded with Mass in our chapel and Mass with St. Benedict Parish in January.
We continue to find ways to integrate our culture with our Catholic faith. Our focus is on the success of the St. Kateri Family Retreat, and we hope to make it an official annual event, as it strengthens family bonds, builds community relationships, and expands our Kateri Family. We continue to be financially independent. Our dream goal with the new strategic plan is to launch a capital campaign to help sustain the St. Kateri Center in the long term. We look forward to launching our new mission and vision in the near future.
In keeping with our mission as a Native American Ministry of St. Benedict parish, we continue to work together to change the narrative about Native American and Indigenous people today and strive to be a bridge of healing for our people and the Catholic Church. As one of our youth shared, “I do my best to live out the teachings I’ve learned from both sides of my identity. St. Kateri Center has played a big role in encouraging me to embrace both my Catholic faith and my Native traditions. I’m proud and grateful to be part of the St. Kateri family.” We continue to be thankful to our ancestors and the seven generations before us, we continue to strive to provide a better future for the next seven generations ahead of us.
Kateri Annual PowWow
Financial Highlights
By Jeanne Anderson, Director of Operations and Finance
Church Ordinary Activities
The short story is that church ordinary income and expense ended the fiscal year on June 30 in near-perfect balance with an operating surplus of exactly $485.77.
Upon inspection, however, a less-than-ideal picture emerges. When compared to FY24 nearly every ordinary income category saw declines, and operating expense increased by 3.8%. Fortunately, the church budget was able to balance under those challenging conditions thanks to the great success of Oktoberfest 2024, which provided a much-needed boost of $62,293 in fundraising1 revenue.
Income
Collections are Mass offerings for Sunday, Holy Day, Christmas and Easter, and represent 72% of operating income; together these declined $15,794 from FY24. In truth, Sunday offerings dropped almost 4% ($25,955) while Holy Day, Christmas and Easter finished $10,161 (13%) ahead of last year. Does this pattern suggest that regular Mass participation is declining, with folks making an extra effort to observe on “special” days? To help answer that question and gain greater insight into where our stewardship challenges and opportunities lie, we have just this month transitioned to a new church database management system (ParishStaq ChMS) and online giving platform (Pushpay.) We look forward to sharing more about the new system (and our very own parish app!) in the days ahead.
Tuition and Fees are generated by catechesis activities. At the close of the fiscal year on June 30 there was an uncharacteristically high rate of delinquency, hence the apparent decline over FY24. By mid-September 2025, nearly every dollar of FY24 revenue had been collected and will be posted within FY25 results.
Interest & Miscellaneous includes earnings from banking and investment accounts and the decrease over FY24 here is a paper loss, largely due to the impact of volatile market conditions on our parish and school endowment accounts, and declining interest rates for savings and CDs.
Expense
Salaries & Benefits are always our single largest expense, and changes here tend to have a large impact. Sadly, our expense reduction in this category over the prior year was due to the tragic and unexpected passing of our pastor, Fr. Steve Kanonik, and operations associate, John Frake.
Liturgical and Building Maintenance & Repair saw increases due to several one-time costs related to administrative changes during FY25, as well as plumbing, electrical and HVAC repairs in the rectory and St. Kateri Center, elevator repairs and code updates in the church.
Utilities, Archdiocesan and Insurance costs were anticipated and in line with our budgeted amounts.
ATTENTION GiveCentral Users:
We are transitioning to Pushpay as our new partner for electronic giving. Pushpay offers lower fees, and greater convenience for both donors and the parish. We think you’ll be pleased with the change! During the transition period GiveCentral will remain active but we’ll are asking parishioners to set up their giving in Pushpay and cancel GiveCentral. For more information, For more informtion scan the QR code below. We’ll also be communicating with our GiveCentral donors via email; please know requests to join Pushpay are legitimate. Feel free to call the rectory (773.588.6484) or email donate@stbenedict.com with questions or concerns.
School Ordinary Activities
Income
St. Benedict Preparatory School continues to thrive and receive the lion’s - or should we say, Bengal’s - share of revenue from tuition, curricular, and extracurricular fees at 90% of total operating revenue. Exceptional fundraising profits from 2024 Annual School Fund and 2025 Gala, advancement activities, outside funding, and unrestricted grants from third parties complete our income picture. Altogether, operating revenue exceeded FY24 results by $365,659, and came in $505,642 above budget. Note that of that amount, $335,000 represents unspent fundraising and grants; see Accounting Note1 (page 29).
Expense
Salaries & Benefits increased just 1.3% over FY24 and came in $356,204 (95%) under budget. Investing in skilled, dedicated teachers and ensuring they receive fair compensation is essential to sustaining our Catholic school and upholding academic excellence. Staffing represents the largest ongoing financial commitment for any school, and in our case, 78% of total operating costs are devoted to personnel, including salaries, benefits, health insurance, employer taxes, and professional development. Because such a large portion of the budget is tied to human resources, strategic and thoughtful planning for admin, instructional and support staff aligned to student enrollment remains a constant priority.
Instructional, Food Service, Field Trip and certain Miscellaneous expenses also align to student enrollment and overall we saw a drop in spend of 4.5% over the previous year for these costs, which was largely on budget.
Utilities expense for electricity, heating fuel, telephone and internet were on the whole nearly identical to FY24, and under budget by $3,459 (1%).
Building Maintenance & Repair on The Block remains a pain point and although we saw a modest decline of $3,207 over last year’s expense, this area was nevertheless over budget by $118,664.
HVAC repairs to 25-year-old rooftop units on preschool building 3, elevator deferred maintenance and code updates, interior and exterior security upgrades, and classroom floor tile replacement were key maintenance expenditures. Savings were realized with new contractor agreements for trash removal and landscaping.
Administrative expense includes office supplies and equipment, furnishings, computer supplies, outside printing, platform fees for software, and professional services, which combined for an increased spend of $16,847 (10%) over FY24 and landed $46,669 (35%) over budget.
Parish Extraordinary Activity
Often referred to as ‘below the line,’ revenue and expense reported here are non-recurring and outside regular operating activity. Special and shared collections, large capital expenses and multi-year projects, endowment donations, and bequests and memorial income are within this section.
Parishioners were exceptionally generous with the Annual Catholic Appeal in 2024 and our rebate share was $56,778—up more than $21,000 over previous years. Deposits to our parish and school endowment investment accounts with Northern Trust during FY25 totaled $42,562. Of that, $3,390 was sent to our Parish Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF), which represents donations to the fund beyond the $8,000 for merit scholarships that were awarded. The Parish Endowment Fund transfer was $39,172, including
$20,204 that was donated to the fund in memory of Fr. Steve Kanonik. Thanks to the special focus Fr. Steve brought to creating and building an endowment for the parish, the fund grew from $0 to just under $1 million during his time at St. Ben’s. During that same period, the educational fund more than doubled, from $163,185 to $344,139.
Noteworthy capital income for school projects includes donations for improvements to the school grounds (HSA $45,000,) AV upgrades to the gym (Gala paddle-raise $147,000), and a new server (private gift of $50,000), as well as a reallocation1 of the school New Family Fee ($351,817) balance. Outgoing capital expenditures covered the final phase payout for the new chiller, renovations to Ackerman Center, limestone repairs and tuckpointing on multiple buildings, church door refinishing, and a new underground irrigation system around the school.
Statement of Financial Condition – Liabilities & Assets
Current Assets on June 30, 2025, totaled almost $4.6M, a gain of about $175,000 over the prior period. The balance includes all cash in local and archdiocesan bank accounts, and endowment accounts at Northern Trust.
Liabilities & Restricted includes pending bills, tuition/fees paid in advance for FY26, auxiliary group and ministry funds, and financial assistance FY26 carryover (Gala paddle-raise $25,000) and reserves. School Programs & Holding includes unspent fundraising and restricted donations from FY24 and prior, and Annual School Fund carryover for FY26 retention bonus ($84,238).
1Accounting Note Prior to FY25 net fundraising above the amount budgeted for ordinary operating activity was allocated to the unspent fundraising liability account at the end of each fiscal year. Subsequent expenditures for special projects and activities were drawn from the unspent fundraising category. In keeping with Archdiocesan guidelines, for FY25 and forward all unrestricted fundraising revenue is reported as operating income in the year in which it is received. Funds in reserve from FY24 and prior remains in Liabilities & Restricted for future expenditures.
In Memory of
Bernard Ford
Bernard Joseph Ford, president of the “pioneer” class of 1954, our first High School graduating class, passed away on July 24, 2025. A leader from early days, accomplished executive who ran the CTA in the late 1980’s, always credited “Ben-Hi”, its clergy and the School Sisters of St. Francis, who molded him into the successful man he was. In turn, he always sought to give back to this community in a variety of ways. First he came on as a member of the High School Advisory Board when it was created. Later in 2012, when his son, Chris, one of our HS Girls Basketball coaches, passed away at a young age, he found comfort during this time of grief by promoting our parish educational endowment with an interest award in Chris’ memory. He continued to add to the endowment when his wife of 60 years passed away in 2018. One great joy he always had was being the host of his annual class reunion at the Evanston Country Club so that all in attendance would contribute to the endowment. Services were held here at St. Benedict Church, a fitting conclusion to a beautiful life that got such a great start here on our block.
School Spirit Endowment awards were presented at the class of '54 reunion by Mr. Bernard Ford '54, father of Coach Chris Ford, in whose memory the award is named.
Fundraising Highlights
Oktoberfest 2024
The traditional celebration of our German roots was enjoyed by all ages, blessed once again by great weather, attendance and many, many helping hands! The profit from last year’s event was $62,293; of that, 90% or $56,064 is recorded as operating income for the church, and 10% or $6,229 was transferred to our Parish Endowment Fund. Thank you to Dan Kattner, planning committee chair, and his committee, along with our sponsors, item donors, and volunteers who made it another huge success.
St. Benedict Gala Spring 2025 – Over $600,000
We are thrilled to share the incredible success of our “Andiamo ad Amalfi” Gala, held at the beautiful Rockwell on the River. Inspired by the spirit of travel to Italy, the evening was filled with energy and generosity, thanks to our enthusiastic guests, our dynamic returning auctioneer, and the outstanding efforts of our dedicated event committee.
With heartfelt gratitude, we celebrate another record-breaking year! Our community raised over $600,000! We not only met our operating budget goal of $165,000 with ease, but we also achieved an all-time high paddle raise—bringing in over $162,000 for gym stage upgrades and tuition assistance for the 2025–26 school year. In total, our generous patrons raised more than $270,000 beyond our budgeted goal ($43, 760 to the parish facilities endowment and $229,720 in reserves).
These additional funds will directly support key initiatives outlined in our Strategic Plan: Inspirations 2028. What an extraordinary way to support our strategic projects! We are currently prioritizing facilities improvements and are excited to begin using these funds to address some much-needed upgrades.
A special thank you to our Gala Chairs, Becky Schick and Meg Pagels, whose leadership and passion made this unforgettable evening possible. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this celebration of community, mission, and faith!
2024 School Advisory Board's Annual School Fund: $258, 517
We are filled with gratitude and joy as we celebrate the incredible success of the 2024 Annual School Fund! Once again, our amazing parent community showed unwavering support for our dedicated faculty and staff. Thanks to their generosity, we quickly reached our goal of $175,000—covering 40% of all stipends paid to teachers for essential curriculum and leadership work.
Even more inspiring, every dollar raised beyond our budgeted goal went directly to returning teachers and staff in September 2025 as a special $975 pre-tax gift. This meaningful gesture, driven by our School Advisory Board, made a powerful impact in showing our educators how deeply appreciated they are for their tireless commitment to providing exceptional Catholic education at SBPS.
A heartfelt thank you to the 2024–25 School Advisory Board for their vision, dedication, and leadership. Your efforts have made a lasting difference in the lives of our teachers and the future of our school!
Home and School Association Annual Fun Run – Over $135,000 Raised!
We are overjoyed by the incredible success of our 2024 Fun Run! Each September, our school family comes together in the courtyard for music, movement, and pure FUN—and 2024 was no exception. Thanks to the enthusiastic participation and generous support of our community, we raised over $135,000 to support HSA operating costs.
These funds make a meaningful impact, especially in showing appreciation for our amazing teachers and staff. Through this support, they receive generous gifts at Christmas and in the spring, recognizing their dedication to our students and school mission. Additionally, the HSA is funding a school beautification project, including the vibrant banners now welcoming everyone at the Bell gym entrance.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue enhancing our campus! Plans are underway to make our school entrances more inviting and comfortable, with new improvements set to roll out in Spring 2026. Thank you to everyone who made this event such a joyful and impactful celebration of community and care!
Baby and Kids Garage Sale 2025: $32,976 –Funding Teacher Classroom Grants
We are amazed by the success of this year’s much-anticipated Baby and Kids Garage Sale! This incredible event raised over $30,000 to directly support teacher classroom wish list items— helping fund essential needs and special initiatives that enrich our students’ learning experiences.
We’re especially pleased to share that all unsold items were donated to four local charities, extending the impact of this event beyond our school and into the wider community. What a beautiful way to give back!
A huge congratulations and heartfelt thank you to our amazing Garage Sale Committee—Ben Roxworthy, Amanda Farfan, Christine Elliot, Kerry Reidy, and Elizabeth Villa. Your hard work, dedication, and generosity made this event a tremendous success, and we are so grateful for your commitment to supporting our school and community!
