Celebrating Lourdes HS: A New Catholic School is Dedicated in Rochester, MN

A Report from Rochester Catholic Schools, Rochester, MN:

On September 15, 2013, students, families, teachers, faculty, staff, stakeholders and community leaders will gather in the courtyard at the new Lourdes High School to celebrate together the dedication and blessing of the new Lourdes High School.

After many years of planning and building, this ceremony marks a blessed day when the Bishop will consecrate the new home of Lourdes High School.

"The dedication and blessing is a designated act, a ritual, that gives special recognition to those who contributed to making our new school an imaginable reality," said Rita Hendrickson, Director of Campus Ministry at Lourdes. The celebration will mark the official opening of Lourdes High school and give opportunity to celebrate with all those who are connected to the Lourdes community.

"This very special day is about celebrating a great milestone in the life of Lourdes High School. We are truly blessed to gather together as a community comprised of students, educators, parents, alumni, parishioners, men and women religious, benefactors and friends in thanksgiving for this remarkable gift that God has provided. We are grateful for the commitment and support from so many who remained focused on our vision to cultivate and make manifest a sacred space where our students, and all who enter, will come to witness and experience the presence and love of our Lord. As we bless Lourdes High School, we are humbled to participate in such a significant piece of its history and are proud to serve as faithful stewards of this legacy for generations of Catholic youth to come," said Michael Brennan, Director of Rochester Catholic Schools.

Bishop John M. Quinn, Bishop of the Dioceses of Winona, will preside over the prayer and blessing of the new school. There will be welcoming remarks from Michael Brennan, Director of Rochester Catholic Schools and music provided by the Lourdes High School Music Department. An open house for self-guided tours will be held for those who have not yet toured the new school.

In addition, Rochester Catholic Schools have been engaged in a strategic assessment and planning process in partnership with ACE Consulting, a team of school administration, academic and finance experts from the University of Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE). To mark its 20 years of service, ACE is launching the Fighting for Our Children's Future National Bus Tour to celebrate the hope-filled mission of Catholic schools in the lives of children and families across the country. Visiting nearly 50 cities during the 2013-14 academic year, the tour will convene community leaders, honor educational and civic partners, and promote the message that Catholic schools are good for America.

The themed ACE bus is making a special first stop in Rochester to be present at the dedication of the new Lourdes High School. For more information about ACE and its mission, please visit http://ace.nd.edu.

Dr. Joe O'Toole, Lourdes High School interim principal, said, "The Lourdes High School community, faculty, staff and many stakeholders gratefully acknowledge the blessing and gift of our new Lourdes High School. As the Interim Principal I am so grateful, honored and humbled to be here and present to all as we enter our new facility and continue together our walk in Faith and learning. As it says in Micah 6:8, "You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God."

Due to age and dynamic educational demands, Lourdes was faced to evaluate the opportunity to re-build. "The initial dream of a new Lourdes High School had been planted long ago and it is such a blessing to be part of the vision that has come to fruition. I believe it all happened due to people's prayers, generosity, and commitment. Families understand the richness and strong roots that Catholic education provides, and so they too supported the same vision to build a new Catholic High School," said Hendrickson.

Unlike the old downtown location, which has served as a high school since 1941, the new space is open and shaped into a campus like structure. The 167,000 square foot building is built in three sections: fine arts, academics and an athletics section. Lourdes High School currently serves 479 students; the new state-of-the-art school will be big enough to house more than 525 students with room for future expansion.

The new building is set on 24 acres of land located at the corner of 19th Street and Valleyhigh Drive NW.

The Lourdes Building our Future capital campaign has been supported through private donations from benefactors who believe in the importance of Catholic education. Participation by everyone has been essential for success; more than 1,600 donors contributed to the campaign.

Lourdes High School gratefully acknowledges the hard work and dedication of all the individuals who have so generously sacrificed their time and monetary funds to make this high school a gift to all.

Students started class in the new building August 27, 2013. Lourdes High School is one of 5 Rochester Catholic Schools campuses. Rochester Catholic Schools provide academic excellence, faith formation and service learning experiences for more than 1,800 students in grades Preschool through 12.

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Story and photo courtesy of Department of Advancement, Rochester Catholic Schools