PRESIDENT'S LETTER
Dear Rochester Catholic Schools Community,
As I reflect on my first school year as President of Rochester Catholic Schools, I am filled with deep gratitude and joy. It has been a wonderful year one marked by countless moments of inspiration, and a profound sense of welcome from this vibrant and Catholic faith-filled community.
From day one, I have been continually impressed by the extraordinary dedication of our faculty and staff. Their unwavering commitment to academic excellence and formation in our Catholic faith creates an educational
environment where students thrive not only intellectually, but spiritually and emotionally. Our schools are places of joy, curiosity, growth, and Gospel-centered learning and that is a testament to the incredible people who make up our Rochester Catholic Schools community.
We are pleased to share with you the 2024–2025 Rochester Catholic Schools Annual Report. This publication highlights the many blessings we’ve received and celebrates our progress. A special note of gratitude goes to our generous donors, whose faith in our mission fuels our ability to offer scholarships and enhance the educational experience for all students. Your support ensures that Catholic education remains accessible and strong in the Rochester community for generations to come.
As we look ahead, the Board of Trustees and I are moving forward with the strategic planning process to ensure long-term sustainability and including continued increasing enrollment across our campuses, support for institutional advancement and renewed energy around our mission. Most importantly, we remain deeply committed to fostering and strengthening Catholic identity within every aspect of our schools.
Thank you for welcoming me so warmly this year and for walking alongside us as we shape the future of Rochester Catholic Schools I am truly excited for what lies ahead, and I am blessed to serve this incredible mission with you
Our Lady of Lourdes...pray for us!
Blessings,
Tina Monosmith President Rochester Catholic Schools
On the Cover: 2024-2025 Lourdes High School Football Team and Cheer Squad
Eleanor and Abigail Claseman
The Heartbeat OF OUR SCHOOLS
Celebrating the Super Fans, Cheerleaders, and Champions
Who Keep Our Catholic Schools Beating Strong
Written by Andrea Gibbs, Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis Freelance Writer
Pope Saint John Paul II once said,
“A Community needs a soul if it is to be a true home for human beings. You, the people, must give it this soul. ”
Rochester Catholic Schools has a longstanding tradition of strong community support, giving soul and life to our Catholic School system We take time in this spring edition of the Aquila to look at some of our great cheerleaders, supporters, and fans who give their all to keep our Catholic Schools filled with energy, soul, and spirit.
Patty Ward-Montoya has been a part of Rochester Catholic Schools for as long as she can remember, starting back to her enrollment in first grade at St. Pius X School. She understood the sacrifice her own parents made to provide a Catholic education for herself and her three siblings As she and her husband, Damian, married and began
Patty Ward-Montova with her family after Christmas Mass 2024
building each other up, and having a great experience. A prime example of this can be seen when the LHS Marching Band recently received the Herb Streitz Spirit Award at the Waseca Marching Band Competition This annual award is for the group that embodied “pride, spirit, enthusiasm, friendliness, and unity of high school band persons” throughout the day and was selected by city liaisons
The Clasemanns understand that Rochester Catholic Schools need their support and are happy to do their part. They echo the call of the apostle Peter in scripture to “Serve one another with the gifts you have received, ” and encourage others to step into the role of volunteer and supporter Heidi shares,
“There’s a place in the system for everyone, and the kids will always show you how appreciative they are of your time. And the level of pride that you will have watching these kids is immeasurable. ”
Speaking of school pride, our Lourdes High School Cheer Team continues to lead the way for our community to support our Eagles on the field, the court, the rink, and everywhere in between Coach Jill Dilger shares that it brings her joy to see the girls grow in confidence, teamwork, and leadership throughout the cheer season. Aside from coaching the athletes, Coach Jill also organizes and runs the annual cheerleading camp for younger Eagles
When teens are pushed into leadership roles, especially in faith-based settings like RCS, they mature and develop virtues themselves. The high school cheerleaders mentor and coach the young Eagles at the annual cheerleading camp The younger students look up to the high school students and share their unique energy and enthusiasm throughout their time at camp. Coach Jill loves connecting the Lourdes cheerleaders with the younger students to grow the community spirit
This past year, the Lourdes High School cheer team was able to bring the full display of school spirit to the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. As the Boys Soccer Team took to the field for the State Tournament, the cheer team took to the sidelines, leading the Rochester crowd to cheer on the boys' team Coach Jill reflected on the experience, saying that
“The energy and excitement of cheering on the team in that kind of atmosphere was unforgettable, and it really brought the whole school community together. ”
The Rochester Catholic Schools staff and students have a community surrounding them filled with life, soul, and energy The supportive community of volunteers is willing their bes for them as individuals in their academic artistic, athletic, and spiritual pursuits, but also willing the good of the Catholic School system overall More supporters are always needed and welcome, with a wide variety of roles to be filled, whether cheering teams on from the stands, chaperoning field trips, or helping ou in the lunchroom. As Coach Jill said,
“RCS is a place where students are shaped not just academically but as people, and supporting that mission means you’re helping to build a stronger, more connected community. ”
Have a Story Idea?
Let us know! We love staying in the know and updating our community on the good work the RCS community is doing! Email us at
Pics and Posts Pics and Posts SCHOOL
Our 5th Grade Eagles from Holy Spirit Catholic School and St Pius X School had a memorable field trip to Eagle Bluff! Highlights included hiking, zip-lining, the ropes course, campfires, group games/challenges, and nature programs.
Live at Lourdes was another incredibly successful event supporting our Fine Arts Department!
This spring was full of exciting celebrations and events across all five of our schools, highlighting the many gifts our Eagles are blessed with including successful youth basketball seasons, Shrek the Musical, Jr., and other fun activities!
Our drumline brought their best gargoyle energy with incredible performances of "After Dark" throughout the competition season. They took 2 at MN State competition and 8 at Nationals! nd th
The Grade 3 RCS Eagles enjoyed an Engineering Fair! Students had the opportunity to work as a team to design and build their very own creations, from simple machines to innovative structures, all while learning about the principles of engineering
Revival RevivalREUNION REUNION
UPCOMING REUNIONS
Class of 1963
We were all born in 1945 and will turn a certain age. (Feel your age -- 80 is the new 60) To celebrate, the great LHS Class of '63 will have a birthday celebration on Friday and Saturday, September 12 and 13
Plans include:
A polite gathering Friday night at the local saloon, Whistle Binkies by the lake
A picnic and lunch at Jim Bartels’ farm Saturday noon with cocktails, dinner, and as much fun as you can stand
Somerby Golf Club, Byron, on Saturday evening. Stories will be told. Memories will be mis-remembered. Pictures and memorabilia will be shared. The jokes will be clean, and the lies will be true Organ recitals will be kept to a minimum
Jim Bartel will make arrangements for a convenientlylocatedhoteltoputupwithus, mostlikelyHome2SuitesbyHiltonRochester. Please contact Virginia Vermeersch at vvermee@attnetwithanyquestions!
See you in September
(Wasn't that a song back then?)
Class of 1965
All Lourdes High School alumni of the Class of 1965 are invited to join us in celebrating our 60th Class Reunion. We will gather on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 at the Plummer House. For details and information, please contact Dee Schemmel at 507.254.5433.
Information about upcoming reunions and photos from past reunions are also posted online at rcsmn org/reunions If your class is planning a reunion, please contact us at alumni@rcsmn.org. We are happy to supply a class list, schedule a tour at Lourdes, and include your information online.
Class of 1975
Come celebrate on August 15, 16, & 17, 2025 Contact
Nancy Rian Kelley for more information at: gogopher@comcast net or text Cheryl Peterson at 720 708 8264
Class of 1985
A reunion is being planned on August 9 at the Eagles Club in Rochester. Reach out to Greg Hayft at 507.421.1985 or gregoryhayft@gmail.com for more details!
Class of 1995
more
at rcsmn org/reunions or scan the QR code!
Nicole Beaulieu, Jeff Price and Molly Sweeney are planning a fun reunion gathering the weekend of July 18-20, 2025!
Details will be coming. Watch the Facebook Page: Lourdes Class of 1995 Reunion!
Class of 2000
Tentative plans to gather during LHS Homecoming 2025 - TBD!
Class of 2015
Class members are invited to connect via our Class Facebook account and our Facebook event to share your ideas for our 10th year gathering
Questions or ideas, contact Annabelle Brandt at paulik.brandt@gmailcom.
I can do all things through him who me.
David Bromelkamp ‘78
David is excited to share his book publication announcement. His book intends to help every person invest in their financial future David wrote the book, “AdvisorSmart for the Individual Investor: Your Guide to Selecting a Financial Advisor to Get Better Financial Advice He hopes everyone will feel empowered in their financial journey. To learn more about the book, go to AdvisorSmartBook.com. He also invites you to the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel at The Depot on Tuesday, May 6 between 4-7 p.m. to visit with him personally and pick up a copy!
Alyssa Ustby ‘20
Rochester Lourdes' Alyssa Ustby played this year in the NCAA Sweet 16 women’s tournament for the University of North Carolina where she is in her graduate program “Alyssa was key to leading the Tar Heels to the Sweet 16,” published Jeffrey A. Camarati of the
University of North Carolina athletics
At the March 27th game, Alyssa Ustby watched her father as he updated her rebound counts. He held up a new poster board with the updated number -making seven signs during the game When she hit 1,252 rebounds, she made history, breaking Bernadette McGlade’s all-time UNC rebounding record, who played from 1977-1980. Congratulations to LHS Eagle
Sarah Strauss ‘99
Sarah wrote a personal message to her classmates and former teachers:
“Hola a todos: I can remember sitting in Mrs. Grovergrys´ Spanish class LHS and singing Christmas carols (in Spanish, of course!) Our attempts were laughable, especially as Charlie Busch (‘99) belted out the lines to “Campanas de Belén ” This class wasn ´t the AP course, but Mrs Grovergrys found a way to enjoy us, regardless proficiency (or lack thereof ��).
Now, as a Spanish teacher myself, those moments stick out because I strive to make those memories with my students I was recently nominated for MN Teacher of the Year, where students used the words “kind, inclusive, giving, welcoming” to describe their reason for nominating me I have never felt more seen because I am intentional about creating an environment where all students belong and feel good about themselves. Only then can learning happen.
I am grateful to all the teachers and faculty that worked with me during my time at LHS. They instilled in me a desire to be a lifelong learner My academic journey includes a teaching degree from UW-Eau Claire (WI), Spanish Degree from Middlebury College (VT/Madrid), and a Chicana & Chicano Studies Graduate Certificate from UNMAlbuquerque, New Mexico. I also became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2020. Most recently I coauthored the book Learner Feedback for Language Growth (ACTFL 2024) and now present at conferences and collaborate with school districts as an Education Consultant for Along the Continuum
Alyssa Ustby Class of 2020!
Teaching is a challenging and tiring profession, but for 20 years I have consistently shown up for my students Again, to all LHS staff, thank you for having done the same with me. ”
Catholic Heritage!
Honoring Excellence
at the 2025 President's Reception
We closed out Catholic Schools Week with the annual President's Reception on Friday, January 31, at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Rochester
Guests gathered for a night of fellowship, faith, and gratitude, enjoying entertainment by Trio Jazz Rochester and a heartfelt awards ceremony honoring six outstanding members of our RCS community.
Congratulations to our 2025 award recipients:
Make a Difference Award: Char Evjen
Everyday Hero Award: Karen Gonzalez
St. Joseph Award: Peter Fourniea
Alumni Award: Joseph Mahoney '84
President's Award: Marv Peters
Woodruff Award: Marnie and Jeff Bigler
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening so meaningful!
We’d also like to extend our thanks to our sponsors: Advanced Financial Consultants, Marnie and Jeff Bigler, J Powers, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, Premier Bank Minnesota, Beckley's Office Products, and Catholic United Financial.
Lourdes Foundation
Fish Fry
The Lourdes Foundation Fish Fry was once again a tremendous success!
Nearly 500 guests gathered on Friday, March 7, at the Rochester International Event Center to enjoy a delicious fish dinner, lively fellowship, and a night filled with fun. The event featured a raffle, silent auction, children’s activities, and an exceptional performance by the Lourdes Hi-Lighters
Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and supported this beloved tradition Your participation helps advance the mission of the Lourdes Foundation and strengthens the future of Catholic education in our community
In the News the
St. Pius X Schol Expands Early Childhood Program
RCS was recently featured on KTTC News for launching a new two-year-old preschool classroom at St. Pius X School, opening Fall 2025. With 14 spots available, the program was created in response to rising childcare needs across southeast Minnesota.
“We want to meet the needs of our families, ” said Principal Dave Jenson. “This is one way we can support them and provide a strong start within our community. ”
This expansion complements Holy Spirit Catholic School’s existing two-year-old program, offering more families access to high-quality, faith-based early education.
Upcoming Events! Upcoming Events!
Friday, May 23 - Graduation at Lourdes High School
Thursday, May 29 - 8th Grade
Graduation at the Co-Cathedral of St John the Evangelist and St Francis of Assisi Schools
Remembering Sister Jutta Gleichauf
Sister Jutta Gleichauf, 97, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, Minnesota, died at Assisi Heights on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Sister Jutta was born Hilda Genevieve Gleichauf on October 11, 1927, in Ironton, Ohio, to Carl and Hilda (Mantz) Gleichauf She entered the Sisters of St Francis in 1951, received the name of Sister Jutta, and made perpetual vows in 1957 She received her Master’s in Business Administration from Notre Dame University, Indiana, in 1969
Sister Jutta held various educational positions throughout her career From 1954 to 1999, she served in elementary and business education and was a principal and administrator in schools across Minnesota, Nebraska, and Ohio She served as a business education teacher and front office manager at Lourdes High School, Rochester, Minnesota, from 1960-1966 and 1974-1999.
Survivors of Sister Jutta Gleichauf include her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 73 years; two nephews, and one niece. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Carl and Joseph Gleichauf; and two sisters, Clara Houlihan and Veronica Thistle.
Sister Jutta made an impact for many Lourdes High School students. A scholarship is established in her name, families can make a gift in her honor to: LFI - Sister Jutta scholarship.
IN MEMORIAM
We celebrate the memory of your beloved classmates, friends, and teachers who have gone to eternal rest This list is from Oct 1 - March 31, 2025
Marian Chrysler '50
Gerald F. Connelly '55
William E "Billy" Connelly '60
Irma S Elvir '57
Patricia Ewert '62
Joseph P Feind '78
Joseph V Fischer '47
Sister Jutta Gleichauf *LHS teacher/office
Patricia Kasey '60
Matthew David Marx '69
David Nelson '54
Jeanette J Nichols '49
Catherine Schmiedeberg '66
Randall Schoenfelder '62
George Sedivy - Former Teacher
Lynn Stolp '73
Stephen E Wente '67
Mary Kay Wernstrom '77
FOUNDATION Lourdes
Lourdes Foundation unites alumni, parents, and friends in celebration and support of Rochester Catholic Schools
I would like to thank everyone for joining us at the Foundation Fish Fry! With 509 guests and 79 raffle and auction items It could not have been done without the diners, volunteers, Student Ambassadors that helped with the kids activities, Lourdes football team members from the start to the very end helping clear tables and clean up, and the performance of the band THANK YOU ALL! Mark your calendars: our next Fish Fry is March 6, 2026
Lourdes Foundation manages 152 endowed scholarships of $10,000 or more including 19 class scholarships helping RCS award nearly 200 tuition assistance scholarships each year. Other programs with endowments are music, baseball, reading, elementary
tuition, and the Conway Building Our Future endowment for Lourdes High School. STAY TUNED. Interested in starting a scholarship? We also invite you to leave a legacy with a Planned Gift Contact me or the Advancement Office
LFI also provides assistance to RCS staff through our LFI Academic Excellence Fund This fund was started in 2020 and currently has $111,000 with 5% going to salaries and continuing education degrees If any of our many generous donors wishes to contribute to this growing fund, just note LFI Academic Excellence Fund on the memo line of your check. Thank you for supporting the mission of RCS through the Lourdes Foundation.
Kenneth (KC) Reed ‘72-President, Lourdes Foundation (507) 259-7003
INCOME, ASSETS AND EXPENSES
Asset Breakdown Asset Breakdown
Contribution Breakdown Contribution Breakdown
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Rochester
Rochester Catholic Schools (RCS) develops the spiritual, social, emotional, and academic growth of young people.
2024 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2024 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT
MISSION STATEMENT: RCS partners with parents and the Catholic faith community to nurture the development of a Christ-centered learning environment that fosters a culture of excellence where students grow in wisdom, courage and character Rooted in Gospel values, RCS students are challenged and supported to become critical thinkers, collaborative problem solvers, creative visionaries and servant leaders who bring hope to the world.
Year 2024 Income Fiscal Year 2024 Income
1373 Students Served
212 Student Masses
REVENUE
Tuition and Fees
Government Support (1)
Parish Support
Philanthropic & Restricted Gifts
LFI Scholarship (2023 support given in 2024)
*Other Income (2)
5 Catholic Schools
196 RCS Team Members
TOTAL INCOME $ 8,919,935 $ 1,154,870 $ 2,208,573 $ 2,237,599 $ 373,754 $ 2,122,250 $ 17,016,982
EXPENSES
Staffing and Benefits Program Expenses (3)
Administrative
Fundraising, Raise Right & Marketing
Building Operations
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 9,819,701 $ 1,771,830 $ 1,157,318 $ 895,181 $ 1,622,400 $ 15,266,430
Program Expenses
,
,
Thank you to all of our benefactors An updated list is on our website at: Make A Gift “Annual Donor Listing”
Facebook and Instagram
Contact us at info@rcsmn.org or 507.424.1817 1710 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE NW
for upcoming opportunities to support RCS in the 2025-2026 school year! Please contact advancement@rcsmn.org with any questions or visit rcsmn.org/makeagift to give today!
