Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
This past fall, our Catholic schools in the Archdiocese received Lumen accreditation from the Catholic University of America, recognizing that our schools promote academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth. I could not have been more proud than when President Peter Kilpatrick and a team from CUA traveled to the Twin Cities this fall to confer this honor on our schools, noting that we were the first diocese to be recognized in that way. I realized then as now that the exceptional success of our Catholic schools depends upon the skilled educators who serve in our schools, supported by prayerful administrators and collaborative families, all dedicated to quality Catholic education. Passing on the faith, whether in schools or outside of it, is of great importance to me.
This Catholic Schools Week, I would like to celebrate the work of the excellent teachers who make such a difference in our schools by recalling the great witness offered by a Catholic school educator who taught here in the Archdiocese, Blessed James Miller, FSC, whose memorial is celebrated later next month (Feb. 13).
In 1966, after professing his first vows with the Christian Brothers, Brother James came to Minnesota to teach Spanish, English, and religion at then-Cretin High School. Brother James proved himself to be not only a teacher and coach but also a witness to the love of Christ, as is the case with so many of our excellent Archdiocesan teachers. While at Cretin, Brother James always went out of his way to make sure that the school would be in tip-top shape to reflect the importance of the work that took place there, becoming affectionately known by the students as “Brother Fix-it.”
After Brother James professed perpetual vows, he was sent to be a missionary in Latin America, teaching and directing in schools during a turbulent time in Nicaragua. When he returned to Cretin High School in 1979 due to the revolution in Nicaragua, he found himself longing to return to Latin America and teach. He was allowed to return in 1981 and was assigned to a mission in Guatemala, where he taught the Mayan students English and religion, doing all he could to ensure that the young boys were not only able to stay in school (rather than be conscripted to join the military) but also given an experience of the love of Christ.
Sadly, on Feb. 13, 1982, Brother James Miller was shot multiple times and killed by three unknown gunmen as he was repairing the school building. He was deeply mourned by the students he had served both in Guatemala and in St. Paul. When Archbishop Roach celebrated Brother James’ funeral in our Cathedral, every pew was filled.
At the time of Brother James’ beatification, Bishop William Callahan, then the bishop of Brother James’ home diocese, La Crosse, wrote that Brother James “was doing what God had made him to do. Standing on a ladder, attending to his school’s building, Brother Fix-it was restoring God’s kingdom—ordered, beautiful, and at the service of those in need...” What a beautiful description of what the teachers in our Catholic schools are called to do day after day.
This Catholic Schools Week, please join me in seeking the intercession of Blessed James Miller, as we ask for the Lord’s blessings on the students, teachers, administrators, benefactors, and families of our Catholic schools.
Taught by Jeff Cavins, this seven-week course is open to all adults and teaches the basics of discipleship, how to share your faith with confidence, and how to cultivate a deeper life of prayer. In this course, students become “activated disciples” and put what they learn into practice.
Join Mary, Mother of the Church for a Eucharistic tour through Scripture, presented by Catholic evangelist and nationally-known speaker Tanner Kalina. This parish mission will be spread over two nights.
Connecting and nurturing students with the house system
To nurture a sense of community, foster relationships, provide a supportive network and establish a place of belonging, several Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis have embraced the “house system,” reminiscent of the traditional British-based system that provides students the opportunity to connect across grades and classrooms.
Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
Bishop Izen emphasizes ‘the dignity of life’ in prayer service before march to the State Capitol
When support is given to an unborn child or a woman in a crisis pregnancy, they become like spiritual children of those who support them, Auxiliary Bishop Michael Izen said during the Annual Prayer Service for Life at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul Jan. 22.
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Faith and learning: A never ending journey
Archbishop Hebda joins us for a special conversation during Catholic Schools Week to discuss the vital role Catholic education plays in shaping faith and academics. We explore the challenges and opportunities facing Catholic schools today, how they foster strong faith formation, and how parents and communities can support them.
Made for greatness: The saint within you
Sarah Kostick joins us to share her powerful journey of discerning and embracing her gifts and charisms. Stepping outside her comfort zone, Sarah answers God’s call to share her talents through speaking, teaching, and serving others. Tune in as she inspires us to recognize and embrace our own unique callings.
Visit Practicing Catholic to listen on your favorite podcasting platform. Listen Friday at 9 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m., or Sunday at 2 p.m. on Relevant Radio 1330AM.
"As people of faith, we believe that with our prayers what goes up must come down, and history has shown that the saintly pontiff’s prayer for a new Pentecost has indeed come down! We cannot help but think, first, of a wondrous event that occurred in my hometown seven years after this prayer went up. What has come to be known simply as 'The Duquesne Weekend' was a retreat for Duquesne University students that took place in February 1967 at The Ark and The Dove Retreat Center. Having heard of an interdenominational prayer group that had received the gift of tongues, the organizers decided to center the retreat on the Holy Spirit. They began praying the Pentecost sequence, Veni Sancte Spiritus, for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit."
Sent forth in the Holy Spirit to make Jesus known and loved.
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January 27, 2025