Private: Faith on Fire in Minnesota

October 5, 2016

We loved the energy at the all-school Mass of the Holy Spirit 2016 in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. And we’re grateful for beginning anew as a community of faith. In attendance: 12,000 students and staff from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese and more than 60 priests and deacons. Sponsored by the Catholic Schools Center of Excellence, the September 22 event delivered as promised on its theme: Excite. Ignite Unite.

photo-mass-logoAs Lisa Anderson, Healey Director of Schools, shared on social media: “So inspiring to see these kiddos’ Faith on FIRE!!!”

Since the announcement of Healey’s partnerships in the Twin Cities, Anderson has helped hire and has begun work with six elementary school Advancement Directors. They’ve held onboarding sessions and outlined goals for their first 90 days on the job.

Among the priorities: preparing enrollment data, gathering available alumni and prospect lists, planning for parish and school events and determining retention strategies. Schools will also have access to information and insights gleaned during Healey’s discovery and analysis process to help as they take charge of their own futures. 

“I’m so excited to work with this diverse and talented team of professionals,” Anderson said. “I see before me such creative, competent, faith-filled individuals who will do so much in advancing their schools’ missions.”

We recently discussed challenges, priorities and hopes with three of her new colleagues and were struck by themes in common with those of the inaugural Mass.

Excite.

“As we’re looking at the numbers and setting goals, I see the potential for growth that begins with getting the message out about our great school…. This is the perfect role for me. I can’t wait to see the wonderful changes that our school community will make over the next three years!”

Kate Grossman
Advancement Director
St. Dominic School
Northfield, MN

Ignite.

“As I look ahead to how we might rebrand and consider what makes us unique, I’ve been focused on the school’s Jesuit tradition. We’re the only Jesuit grade school in the Twin Cities…. I also think about the opportunity here to educate the whole child, to help children grow up to be courageous leaders.”

James Olsen
Advancement Director
Saint Thomas More Catholic School
St. Paul, MN

“Go forth and set the world on fire.”

Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Founder of the Jesuits

Unite.

“This is our fourth year as a regional school that started with two schools coming together and, overall, our regional model is an asset…. This is a close-knit community. People step up and show up. More than 90 percent of parents volunteer.”

Joann Meyer
Advancement Director
Notre Dame Academy
Minnetonka, MN 

We look forward to reporting on the future successes of the Healey Education Foundation’s newest partner schools.