Since spring 2021, the Our Catholic Schools:  Centered in Christ, Committed to Excellence initiative has focused on strengthening the 12 schools throughout the Diocese of Saginaw. (See FAITH Saginaw, Issue 2, 2022, pages 18-22 for more information about the committee and initiative.) The Our Catholic Schools strategic plan, published in May, is already being put into action.

“We are now engaged in the challenging and essential task of turning our words and prayers, with God’s support and guidance, into action,” said Cormac Lynn, superintendent of Catholic schools. “This strategic plan is the initial framework that will guide the work of the Office as Catholic Schools, as well as the Diocesan School Council.”

The creation of the Diocesan School Council is one of several actions being taken through the initiative. The council, made up of volunteers, parents, teachers, principals and pastors from across the Diocese, is intended to be a working council that serves as a resource for all schools. The council members were formally trained by Catholic School Management, a consultant hired to assist with the process.

“I’m excited about the opportunity that we’re going to have a lot more people focused on Catholic education. Now we’re able to work on multiple facets to provide resources to schools,” said Deacon Gary Patelski, Diocesan School Council chairman. "It’s kind of a dream come true!”

Importantly, the council is designed to provide resources to assist the schools, not hand out mandates. The council includes working subcommittees dedicated to addressing and supporting four key areas:  Catholic identity and curriculum, people and governance, financial vitality and marketing and enrollment. These four pillars, identified in the Our Catholic Schools:  Centered in Christ, Committed to Excellence strategic plan, help create a strong foundation for our Catholic schools.

“The strategic plan is what drives the school council,” Deacon Gary said. “Each of the subcommittees, including the executive committee, is charged with coming up with short-term items they can (take action on) in the next year.”

To enhance the efforts already being made, the Office of Catholic Schools has also hired two new employees. Krista Willertz, who most recently served as the principal of All Saints Central Middle and High School (now All Saints Catholic) in Bay City, has filled the role of Catholic identity and curriculum coordinator.

In this position, Krista will help ensure that our Faith is appropriately, intentionally and effectively intertwined in the important learning and work that occurs every day in our schools. She will support principals and teachers in the development and implementation of best practices and appropriate resources related to instruction and learning, and also support school communities by providing opportunities for spiritual formation for students, staff, faculty and parents.

Danielle McGrew Tenbusch also joined the Office of Catholic Schools as the marketing and admissions coordinator. Previously, Danielle served as an award-winning writer, photographer and editor and has worked with FAITH Saginaw for many years. Danielle will work closely with building principals and appropriate stakeholders to coordinate and implement marketing, enrollment and communication plans to support Catholic school education. This will include assisting in the creation of school communication materials, as well as measuring and analyzing enrollment and retention patterns.

“If we all work together with all our resources and fired up people there's no doubt we’re going to be successful,” Deacon Gary said.

Looking back at the 2021-22 academic year, Catholic schools in the diocese have seen great successes:  6.5 percent increase in total enrollment, $3.6 million earned in scholarships and countless opportunities for evangelization. The 2022-23 year is sure to bring many more improvements and exciting challenges.