ROCHESTER CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
A Kaleidoscope of Opportunities
TO LIVE THE CHARISM OF SERVICE
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ - (Acts 20:35 NIV)
PRESIDENT'S LETTER
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Dear Rochester Catholic Schools Community,
In this season of being thankful, I am filled with deep gratitude for the privilege of leading our vibrant community, where each child’s unique God-given gifts and talents are recognized, nurtured, and celebrated. All five of our Rochester Catholic Schools continually demonstrate that they are a community of faith, hope, and love, and it is an honor to be part of this shared journey toward spiritual, academic, and personal growth. I am so blessed to serve our schools and help to build a strong future for such truly excellent schools.
I joined the Rochester Catholic Schools community in mid-August of this year, and, throughout the Fall season, I sought to meet as many of you as possible and attend as many community events as I could. I have thoroughly enjoyed every experience and the process of getting to know Holy Spirit Catholic School, St. Francis of Assisi School, the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School, St. Pius X School and Lourdes High School. So many of our RCS families, students, alumni, parents of alumni, and employees have shared the ways that our schools have prepared them for success and provided them with support and community long beyond graduation.
Our schools are more than just a place of learning—this is each Lourdes High School graduate’s community for LIFE! A place they can always come home to, find friends and celebrate their success in the world. Each classroom I have visited is challenging our students to become critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, and servant leaders. Rochester Catholic Schools’ dedicated principals are committed to creating school environments that form students who not only excel academically but also grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually, prepared to respond to the needs of an ever-changing world.
As we continue to shape the future of RCS, we will remain dedicated to creating a culture of excellence that nurtures the development of the whole student—mind, body, and spirit. I know I can speak for all of our teachers and staff when I say we are excited to see how our students will lead the way as the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and faithful disciples.
I am deeply thankful for the partnership we share with our parents, alumni, the Rochester Catholic parishes and the wider community as a whole. Together, we form a network of support and encouragement that helps our students flourish. Let us continue to work together to ensure that Rochester Catholic Schools remains a place where students can learn, love, and live their faith in service to others for generations to come.
Our Lady of Lourdes...pray for us!
Tina Monosmith President Rochester Catholic Schools
On the Cover: Principal Matt Langsdale of Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School states, "Service to others is an important part of the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School Recently, our students partnered with Operation One More to help those in need by collecting nearly 800 cereal boxes. These experiences foster a sense of empathy and solidarity and guide students in developing a lifelong commitment to serving others as a reflection of their faith."
A Kaleidoscope of Opportunities to Live the
Charism of Service
Written by Andrea Gibbs, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Freelance Writer
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
- (Acts 20:35 NIV)
Service in the Ministry of Presence
The spirit of service is alive and breathing through the staff and students at St. Francis of Assisi School and Holy Spirit Catholic School. Every day, students and staff alike demonstrate acts of service by helping a friend on the playground, in the classroom, and on the court. Often students and staff find joy in giving of their time and talents to
National Honor Society members volunteered in the MN Adopt a Highway program
those right in front of them, making the service of presence a crucial element in Catholic education.
Mr. Matt Langsdale, principal of Co-Cathedral of St John the Evangelist Middle School, sees
RCS students share their appreciation with the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi.
Toys for Tots, and other ongoing activities throughout the school year.
Ms. Mary Spring, principal of Lourdes High School, grew up with the expectation that taking care of one another was essential. [Saving up money to help build a house for a family in Haiti is an early core memory for Ms. Spring of putting faith in motion.] Now, at Lourdes, she continues to help facilitate as many opportunities as possible for the high school students to step outside of themselves to meet the needs of others. Lourdes is in the beginning stages of starting up their service trips again, as well as other student-led service initiatives. The high school continues to move forward, they look back, towards the foundresses of their school as a guiding light for service.
the charism lived out fully through his staff. The staff models service by helping run numerous before and after-school clubs and activities. The selfless acts of giving by adults in the school are the stepping stone for the students to live out their faith through their hands and hearts in service. Mr. Langsdale shares “My hope for the future is that kids and families learn the importance of volunteering.” He is grateful for the continued volunteerism of current and former parents who help strengthen the school.
Over at St. Pius X School, principal Dave Jenson’s students are nominated weekly to be the Saint in the Making. The person doing the nominating shares how the nominee has made the school a better place through their service. Mr. Jenson loves watching Christian faith become noble acts through Christmas Anonymous,
Service in the Gift of Education
Mother Mary Alfred Moes and the Sisters of St Francis of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes demonstrated courage with the founding of Rochester Catholic Schools. In 1877 when the Sisters opened the Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes, they were driven by a spirit of service. Over the past 147 years, their leadership helped provide space for Rochester area students to gather in education and faith.
According to Sister Ramona Miller, the Sisters had a whole sense of service, seeing the need for immigrant children to have an opportunity for education. She shared, “We wanted to serve these young people, and it didn’t matter what religion or sex they were, we just wanted to be able to provide all the students with access to education.” [Boarding facilities were soon built for female students and local
Mr. Andrew Scheller instructing a percussion student at Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School
homes were solicited to house the male students who lived out of town.] The Franciscan Sisters knew that access to a solid education would unlock opportunities for their students.
This tradition continues today as Sister Ramona helps teach a class for juniors and seniors at Lourdes. Through this class, students have an opportunity to dive deeper into the lives of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi. Students are steeped in the Franciscan story of service, ending with a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi over their Christmas Break.
Service through Building Community
Three alumni share with us how their time at RCS shaped their vision of service learning to seek building community in their careers as adults. For Fr. Brian Mulligan ’10 the teachers at Holy Spirit Catholic School and Lourdes High School provided ongoing support for in his faith journey, modeling service by being present and available to
him. Now, as the pastor of the St. Thomas More Newman Center at Minnesota State University of Mankato, Fr. Brian continues to emulate both presence and community. Whether it be available to listen, pray, walk, or serve with a student on campus, Fr. Brian has found the Lord works through his willingness to be available to the people right in front of him. This past year, Fr. Brian was able to expand his outreach taking 42 university students on a service-learning trip in Mexico City. He was humbled to serve in various opportunities throughout the trip but especially loved the one-on-one time of prayer and blessings with locals.
Megan Welch ‘07 had a long-time dream of serving abroad working in humanitarian aid. During the pandemic, Megan served for a year and a half working HR for the organization. People in Need, living in both Iraq and Syria. This led to a time of service in South Sudan. She joined Doctors without Boarders as the HR Manager for their 530 staff members. Megan shares “The people
Fr. Brian Mulligan ‘10 at a Newman Center Event at the Minnesota State University, Mankato
make the assignment. What surprised me is the depth of the relationships I established, the staff and families became a part of my now extended family.”
This experience shaped Megan. She now looks for organizations that share the same values she holds. She found a welcoming environment with EcoLab where she currently works as the Reginal Senior Human Resources Manager. Megan shared “Wherever my life and career take me in the future, I know that service to others will be at the core of what I do.” The beginning of her call to service came through her years at Rochester Schools, being fascinated with the stories of church leaders working with communities around the world. Both Mr. Hrabe and Mr. Gardner at Lourdes helped foster her curiosity about global issues and her scope of viewing a life of service.
Will Pittner ‘17 also recalls his teachers at Rochester Catholic Schools as key role models of service especially Ms. Gaudet at St. Francis of Assisi School. Between parent
and teacher support, Will felt his time at RCS was loaded with selfless acts of others.
While at University of St Thomas, Will began merging his faith and business mindset to start a company called Food to People, now rebranded as One Table. Will shared that many people don’t realize 1/3 of all food for human consumption goes to waste, and that over 400,000 in Minnesota are food insecure. Will’s company is an innovative
Will Pittner
Photo Credit: Dave Hrbacek of the Catholic Spirit
MSF compound in Bentiu, South Sudan
Megan Welch with Bentiu HR team, John Juba Peter Thiey (plaid shirt) and Mathay Riak (glasses)
food recovery system that helps alleviate food insecurity with food that would otherwise go to waste. Will does hope to expand even further and shares that he believes, “we are in a world where people's strongest desire is to be seen, known, and loved. I think there is no better way to break barriers and unite people together than to gather at a table and share a meal.” His service in action is helping bridge communities together.
RCS continues to live and breath the charism of service. We honor our founders the Sister of St. Francis of Assisi by serving others through presence, education, faith, and care within our communities locally and abroad. Our alumni, our staff, our students and our current schools make Christ known through their gifts of self in the service to others.
Pilgrimage Spotlight
Brenna Schmitt, ‘10 of St. Pius X School and Jennifer O’Hara of Lourdes High School went on the Franciscan Leadership Pilgrimage in October!
This amazing trip began in Rome with highlights including the Sistine Chapel and the Pope’s Cathedral, where they were blessed to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis! This trip is made possible by gifts to the Lourdes Foundation.
RCS CELEBRATES Homecoming Week!
The RCS community gathered during Homecoming Week, Sept. 29 - Oct. 6, for exciting events that honored our past and present as we soar into the future!
Holy Spirit Catholic School celebrated its final Mass with Fr. Loomis. We are so grateful for his dedication to our community! Please join us in lifting him up in prayers "as he continues to serve, now located at St. Felix in Wabasha.
On Thursday, Oct. 3, the Homecoming King and Queen were crowned. Congratulations, Jack and Allison!
Students across all five campuses participated in various themed dress-up days throughout the week!
The RCS community celebrated the annual Homecoming parade! RCS clubs, activities, athletics teams, and each campus decorated a float and gave out fun-spirited swag to the crowd. We were blessed with a beautiful day and incredible turnout!
Our RCS Community Rally took place at the Eagles Club, where we welcomed many alums and parents. Attendees enjoyed food and fellowship before heading to RCTC to cheer on our Eagles at their Homecoming game against Pine Island!
On Sunday, Oct. 6, we presented the 17th Annual Lourdes High School Sports Hall of Fame!
Congratulations to our 2024 inductees: Dick Rosener '68, Connie Perry '73, Eric Deutsch '02, Fae (Carroll) Seil '02, Nick Kroska '68, George Rownd '81 and the 2000-2002 Girls Tennis teams.
We are grateful to all who made our a success! to all inductees on your outstanding contributions to Lourdes High School!
Photo Credit: Steve Weinschenk
Pics and Posts SCHOOL YEAR
Lourdes High School Cheer Camp welcomed more than 80 elementary Eagles to the Gymnasium to learn cheers and a routine that they performed at halftime of the Varsity Football game!
Girls Cross County won the HVL Championship for the second year in a row and then went on to earn 3rd place at State!
Congratulations to our Boys Soccer team on winning the Section 1A Tournament and finishing second at State!
Students, faculty, staff and families across our campuses had plenty of blessings to celebrate this fall including: National Hispanic Heritage month, beautiful weather, Mr. Jenson’s 40th birthday, field trips, school-wide events, and more!
The Lourdes Marching Band brought their A-game to the Youth in Music competition held at US Bank Stadium on Saturday, October 12.
Their show, Paint It Black, wowed the crowd and earned them a 3rd place finish out of 11 talented teams in the Class A division. Not only did they deliver a stellar performance, but they also earned 1st place for overall visual presentation, proving their mastery of both musical and visual elements.
The St. Pius X Catholic School community celebrated the blessing of a new mural, "Mary, Our Mother," created by local artist Greg Wimmer. The mural, featuring Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Guadalupe alongside children, enhances the school's entrance and reflects its Catholic values. Fr. Jim Starasinich led a procession for the blessing, following the school Mass. Principal Dave Jenson expressed gratitude for the grant from the Catholic Schools Center of Excellence that funded the project, and local news outlets KIMT News 3 and KTTC TV covered the event.
In the News
On the first day of school our Central Office team visited faculty, staff, and students at all five campuses to deliver popsicles to celebrate being back together. KTTC TV and KIMT News 3 met us at St. Francis of Assisi School to follow our President, Tina Rosenthal Monosmith, as she surprised students with the special treats!
ALUMNI Class Notes
We are excited to feature the following RCS alums as part of our Alumni Class Notes feature section! To share your story with us, email alumni@rcsmn.org.
Chris Allen ‘77
At age 64, Lourdes alumna Chris Allen had her first art exhibit this past spring at the Rochester Art Center titled “Art Lives Here.” The exhibit revolves around Allen’s unique fiber art. She stitches
hundreds of tiny beads tightly around stones.
“Stitching beads around rocks is a concept I dreamt up when I became a new mother, 32 years ago,” says Allen. “Pairing a natural object with a skin of hand-stitched beadwork, following every crevice and curve, just felt like I was giving birth again. I think of the small stones and larger rocks as metaphors for our souls.”
Allen was born in Kingston, New York, and moved to Rochester with her family in 1975. As a junior and senior, Allen attended Lourdes High School. She’s passionate about her former school, and some of her current pieces include titles like “Dirt Heart, Save Lourdes,” which are references to the pending demolition of her former school.
Allen’s love of art was encouraged by Lourdes teachers, such as Sister Flora and her principal, Mr. Cashman, who gave her permission to walk down to Mayo Clinic during school to look at the art collected there. In college, Allen earned a BFA in printmaking at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She later studied at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where she earned a master's
of fine art in fiber. Allen obtained her graduate degree at Cranbrook and moved back to Rochester in 2014 to be closer to her sisters and her parents.
Bill Baldus ‘82 received the 2024 Service Faculty of the Year (for Minnesota state colleges and universities). Since 2006, he has served at Metro State University in St. Paul where he is the Career Center Director. Under his leadership, the career center
supports more than 10,000 students and he brought a strong sense of community, equity and inclusion into his work.
Bill shared that “my life’s work is helping students and alumni find their life’s work and realize their full potential at sustainable wages.” Bill has two adult sons, David and Jojo, and lives in Minneapolis with his wife Geri.
Catherine Gilman ‘22 wrote us a note sharing her favorite memories. “I will always remember all of the choir concerts and volleyball games. These continue to be a part of me for so many reasons!”
Currently, Catherine is in her third year at Iowa State University studying architecture. Her faith continues to be important in her life and she remains active at school through the Catholic parish next to Iowa State.
Clay Fulton ‘06
Clay can be found most weekends performing with his band somewhere in the tri-state area. He started his band, Clay Fulton & The Lost Forty, and performs for events with his band as well as individually.
Jessica (Stachnik) Servais ‘99
Jessica was recently recognized as one of Minnesota’s top 13 lawyers. An attorney for Schwebel, Goetz and & Sieben, Jessica is now a part of the distinguished recognized lawyers receiving the “Super Lawyer” designation.
Servais expressed appreciation for her new distinction, saying, “I am honored to be named to the 2024 Minnesota Super Lawyers list for doing what I am passionate about—helping others in their time of need.”
Tom Wente ‘74
received recognition with Dr. Michael Stuart on Monday, April 8, at the Quarterbacks Hall of Fame. Tom was a 2-year starter in basketball and was selected to the Central Catholic Conference All-Conference team as a junior and senior. In 1974, he was a firstteam All-State selection.
His LHS team won the Independent League State Tournament in 1973 and finished as runner-up in 1974. He was also a Pioneer Press All-State selection
in 1974, having scored 515 points as a senior and 1,043 total career points, the first LHS basketball player to score over 1,000 points. Tom went to Colorado University for two years before transferring to Regis University, where he was voted to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference All-Conference Team.
His 1978 conference championship team finished with a 20-7 record, and the team was inducted into the Regis Hall of Fame in 2002. In both 1978 and 1979, Tom was named to the NAIA All-District Team. A life-long Rochester resident, Tom has had an illustrious career as a CPA, finding a little spare time to also be an assistant coach of an LHS traveling team. He and his wife Ellen have been married for thirty-eight years and have four children: Joe, Will, Annie and Tim, all Lourdes graduates.
John Bigler ‘13 spoke to Lourdes High School students at Career Planning Day regarding his choice to join the U. S. Army. Lourdes was a special place for him, teaching him life lessons and building the character he needed to succeed in college and the army. John moved back to Rochester in May 2022 and is working in the financial industry as a financial advisor.
Now Accepting New Student Applications
Our priority enrollment application window for the 20252026 academic year, spanning from Early Preschool (Age 2) through Grade 12, is now open! Apply today at rcsmn.org/ admissions! No enrollment fees required. Priority application deadline closes Feb. 1, 2025. with RCS during the 2025-2026 School Year! with RCS during the 2025-2026 School
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available for K-12 students! Apply by Feb. 1 via your RCS Portal or the application link on our website.
We love to celebrate our students’ achievements! On November 13, Lourdes High School celebrated three remarkable student-athletes who signed their National Letters of Intent to compete at the collegiate level. Congratulations to Addison Lange (Girls Soccer, Augsburg University), Nicholas Bowron (Baseball, Creighton University), and Josephine Washnieski (Rowing, Temple University) on this significant achievement.
Signing Day!
Activities Director John Volesky praised their commitment, noting it as a proud moment for the school community. We extend our best wishes to these seniors as they begin this exciting new chapter!
Support Our Students
As a parent I know that I have made the right choice in sending her to Rochester Catholic Schools. The amazing education, programs and staff have made a difference. The scholarships and financial assistance we receive make this educational gift possible for our child. We couldn't do this without your support.
-Denise & MoisesLopez Family, RCS Parents
Rochester Catholic Schools serves nearly 1,400 students, nurturing their growth in faith, academics, and community. Your gift to the Annual Fund supports tuition assistance, curriculum enhancement, and staff development. Join us in making a difference for families like the Lopez family by investing in RCS's future.
Thank you for your continued generosity!
Recent RCS Community Events
RCS Heads to the Rochester Honkers!
Thank you to everyone who joined us in the stands in July to cheer on Joe Sperry '22 and Rochester Honkers Baseball! It was a gorgeous evening and great night of baseball, fellowship, and FUN! Congratulations to Joe and the Honkers for striking out the Thunder Bay Border Cats, winning 13-11!
Kindergarten T-Ball Night is a GRAND SLAM!
Principals Amy Heimer, Dave Jenson, and Andy Poterucha welcomed the Class of 2037 to a game of Kindergarten T-ball this week for a night of faith, friendship, and fun!
Thank you to the incredible turnout of families who enjoyed the beautiful weather with us. It was another grand slam event for RCS!
Upcoming Events! Upcoming Events!
New! The Alumni musical concert to support Fine Arts featuring LHS alumni is tentatively scheduled for February 21-23, 2025. Watch for details!
Reunion Revival
Congratulationstoallofourcelebratingclasses!Wehopeyouralumni socks will keep you warm this winter! Please reach out and keep us updated, sharing your stories and events - we can’t wait to hear from you!alumni@rcsmn.org
Visit our alumni page at: rcsmn.org/alumni/alumnireunions for updated photos and upcoming reunions. In 2025, we will be rolling outAlumniAmbassadors-staytuned!
The Class of 1964 gathered in Rochester at the Best Western hopping on a bus, thanks to fellow classmates, to tour Lourdes High School and the city of Rochester on September 21st, 2024. Some members also gathered on the golf course. In the evening, they all enjoyed a more formal dinner as they commemorated their 60th Anniversary graduation from Lourdes High School!
Lourdes High School Class of 1984 gathered not only with their classmates, but with the 1984 alumni from John Marshall and Mayo this past August 2024. About 130 alumni gathered at Tavern 22 with a large celebratory group and reconnected with their peers. They also held fun raffles throughout the evening! Congratulations to our LHS Class of 1984 on 40 years!
Graduates from the Class of 1974 celebrated their 50th reunion at Lourdes High School also on September 21st, 2024, with a morning Mass officiated by Father Chris Manahan (class alumn) in the beautiful Lourdes Chapel. After Mass the class walked the floors during a grand tour of the school and facilities. They all enjoyed a delicious brunch in the Lourdes commons and special events in the evening. What a grand way to celebrate their 50th.
The Class of 1994 celebrated thirty years since their high school graduation. The group gathered in Rochester to spend time together, renewing friendships and class memories.
Lourdes High School Class of 2004 commemorated their 20th reunion by gathering locally. With stories and smiles, they reckoned back to twenty years ago as Lourdes high school classmates. Congratulations!
Members of the Class of 2014 spent time together at the Tap House celebrating ten years since graduation. The Class enjoyed precious time together, hearing all of their updates and sharing favorite memories. Congratulations 2014!
UPCOMING REUNIONS
Class of 1975 - 50th Reunion
Plan to join the Class of 1975 - 50th Reunion / August 15, 2025: Contact Nancy Rian Kelley for more information at: gogopher@comcast.net.
| Winter 2024 Aquila
Class of 1964
Class
Class
Give to the Kids!
Rochester Catholic Schools Giving Day Tues., Jan. 28, 2025
Each year, Rochester Catholic School benefactors like you support our students and staff through a financial gift. You truly make a difference. THANK YOU! As the costs to operate our schools increase, it is critical that we continue to raise the dollars needed to support our staff and our programs, ensuring schools of excellence and thriving students. As we approach the end of the year, please consider making an impact by giving:
GIVE: At the end of the 2024 year or support us on our Giving Day - January 28, 2025 or support us on our Giving Day - January 28, 2025
GIVE: At the end of the 2024 year
Did you know that Rochester Catholic Schools and the Lourdes Foundation accept qualified charitable distributions? We also accept stock rollovers and other forms of gifts. Call to learn how you can support RCS and grow our annual fund gift to $1 million this year to support our students and staff. I look forward to visiting you!
Mindy Reeder | VP of Advancement | mreeder@rcsmn.org | 507.424.1817
IN MEMORIAM
We celebrate the memory of our beloved classmates, friends and teachers who have gone to eternal rest. This listing is from April 19 - October 3, 2024. Please share any updated notices with us at: alumni@rcsmn.org. Keep these loved ones and their families in your prayers.
Doris Brown ‘63
Geraldine "Jerry" (Ellingstrom) Brown ‘46
Gary A. Bruggenthies ‘77
John M. Carter ‘65
Amy Cass - LHS Art Teacher/Tennis Coach
Rita Cunningham ‘55
Paul Dukart ‘65
Genevieve Engle ‘48
Kevin Gatzlaff ‘94
Michael Gunderson ‘68
Richard (Dick) Hauser ‘50
Linda M. Henry ‘71
Lois M. (Nigon) Holland ‘46
Veronica "Bonnie" (Fisher) Hose ‘53
Terrance "Terry" McDonough ‘62
Warren Meyer ‘69
Jeanette (Kocer) Overkamp ‘50
Elizabeth (Betsy) Snyder Ronquillo ‘67
Matthias Eduard "Ed" Sehl ‘64
Rosalyn "Rosie" Toogood ‘63
James E. Welhaven ‘64
Christopher K. White ‘06
Raymond Winkels ‘67
Hats Off to the CLASS OF 2024
Eli Araoz, Nahom Assefa, Liam Barry, Benjamin Beckenbaugh, Anthony Bell, Bryn Billmeier, Thatcher Bochmann, Jack Bowron, Mariah Brooks, Owen Bruining, Xander Carter-Kleven, Finley Chase, Rebecca Cook, Caroline Daly, Nicholas Degen, Matthew Diedrich, Eleanor Dilger, Taylor Elliott, Jack Fitzgerald, Rachel Fritton, Yafet Geda, Elizabeth Gilman, Camela Gossman, Andrew Haworth, Megan Hedblom, Trevor Heindel, Emerlee Holycross, Evan Jones, Juwan Jubek, Thomas Karau, JC Koski, Elizabeth Leise, Emily Leitzen, Peyton Loeslie, Mogga Lowala, Marcus Lund, Thomas Markland, Nahha McNab, Deigo Roman, Eric Nelson, Maxkolbe Nguyen, Elizabeth Niesen, Frederick Noser, John Novak, Bronwyn Nuss, Amelia O’Connor, Rose Otto, Abigail Oxentenko, Elyse Palen, Eduardo Pena, Mardoche Pierson, Nels Pierson, Colin Quimby, Sigrid Rasmsusen, Benjamin Reiland, Aidan Ritter, Adrianna Rivas, Dylan Rossow, Will Roth, Olivia Scaccio, David Scully, Adam Sellner, Nixon Shull, Sofia Sierra, Katherine Sieve, Dominic Stevermer, Patrick Streefland, Rachel Tauferner, Ethan Hubbard, Devon Wald, Regina Waldbillig, Collin Weinschenk, Isaac Wenszell, Ethan Wise, Erin Witter, Kyra Wollbrink, Charles Young
FOUNDATION Lourdes
It was so wonderful to celebrate our 50th anniversary in November. This monumental event was a celebration of our history. For generations, families have given their time, talent and treasure to secure the future of our schools. We are so thankful to our founders!
As part of assuring the future, seven years ago, the Lourdes Foundation entered into a collaboration agreement with Rochester Catholic Schools. Together, both nonprofits jointly raise funds and support our schools. Each entity has retained its independence, with separate boards of directors and distinct funds. To clarify, both Rochester Catholic Schools and Lourdes Foundation are essential to sustaining Catholic education in Rochester.
Today, the Lourdes Foundation Board manages nearly $12 million in endowed equities. Income and dividend growth from these funds provide scholarships to help our Rochester Catholic community members attend Lourdes High School and all RCS schools. We invite you to keep investing in us!
Thank you to our LHS alums, donors, reunion committees, friends, and supporters of Lourdes and its affiliated grade schools. Your trust in the Lourdes Foundation ensures a bright future for our students.
Kenneth (KC) Reed ‘72 President, Lourdes Foundation
50 YEARS Celebrating
On Saturday, November 9, 2024, nearly 200 supporters gathered for the Lourdes Foundation's 50th Golden Jubilee, celebrating the impact of scholarships on our Rochester Catholic Schools community.
Two inspiring seniors, Evelyn Hyder and Maxwell Orth, shared personal stories of how their Lourdes Foundation scholarships have shaped their journeys, underscoring the vital role of these funds.
Thanks to the generosity of attendees, over $30,000 was raised through the Fund-A-Need to support RCS students.
Let's continue helping our Eagles soar—scan the QR code to make a gift to the Lourdes Foundation!
Make a legacy gift today to the Lourdes Foundation!
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Contact us at info@rcsmn.org or 507.424.1817
US ON for upcoming opportunities to support RCS in the 2024-2025 school year! Please contact advancement@rcsmn.org with any questions or visit rcsmn.org/makeagift to give today!
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK (CSW)January 26 - February 1, 2025
The weeklong CSW festivities will include a special live-streamed Mass, the President’s Reception, and the chance to support RCS!
CATHOLIC UNITED RAFFLEJanuary 31, 2025
Catholic United Raffle partnership with RCS begins January 31, 2025 at our President's Day Reception.
RCS DAY OF GIVING
Give to the kids!
Join us on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 for RCS Day of Giving.
This event takes place during Catholic Schools Week.