The Good News from Alums and Families and Friends

Providing tuition assistance to students at Community of Saints Regional Catholic School

The Good News Newsletter is a periodic publication that provides updates on the Community of Saints Regional Catholic School. We currently distribute to over 3000 alums, families and friends. We would like to continually increase our distribution. So, if you know of any alums, families or friends of St. Matthew’s who are not currently receiving The Good News, please contact us with their mailing information.

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The Good News Spring 2023

COS Alums Follow Different Paths – Overcome Obstacles to Pursue Goals – Profiles of Lisette Horne ’14 and Autam Mendez ’14. When COS classmates Lisette Horne & Autam Mendez graduated from high school in 2018, they each had a clear and ambitious goal. Lisette knew she wanted to go to graduate school, while Autam wanted to play Division 1 basketball. They shared their stories with us.
Message from Father Steve – We walk by faith and not by sight…” Stories of Lisette and Autam Mendez are made possible because of you. Lisette and Autam witness the act of faith you make; an act of faith in your school, an act of faith in your students, and an act of faith in what your generosity and commitment will and do achieve. What you do makes a difference, a profound difference in the student’s life and the lives of those whom the student touches. The story of COS is truly part of your story.
Alums & Friends & Families Celebrate Mass with Students: – After two years of virtual service, visitors flocked to Community of Saints for the annual Alums & Friends & Families Mass in December.
RMD Contributions Simplify Giving – Suzanne Snyder shares using her required minimum distributions (RMD) to make charitable contributions to Community of Saints.
St. Matthew’s Class of 1973 – A 50th Reunion for the Class of ’73 is being planned for October 2023. Class Picture.
St. John Vianney Class of 1973 – Class picture.
St. Michael Class of 1973 – A 50th Reunion for the Class of ’73 is being planned for October 21, 2023. Class Picture.
St. Michael Class of 1970 – A 50th Reunion for the Class of ’70 is being planned for the Fall of 2023 – more details to come.
Memories from St. Michael Class of 1973 – Reunion organizers share memories of 1973. Stories include; When Fr. John O’Neill Died, Changing Fashion, The Tunnel, Changing Church Music, 8th Grade Play – “Don’t Shoot ‘Til You See the Whites of Their Eyes”, Petition to Sing John Denver Song in Church.
Save the Date: Join us on Friday April 21st at 10am as Joe Votel, St. Matthew’s ’72 and retired four-star general in the United States Army, addresses COS middle school students and donors.

The Good News Fall-Winter 2022

What It Takes to Fund a Catholic School: A Conversation about the Real Costs and Ingenuity Required to Deliver a Quality Education at Community of Saints – For a long time, nearly all Catholic elementary schools were parish schools, the teachers were nuns, and the schools could pretty much cover their costs with a combination of tuition, parish support, and modest fundraising. Today, things look very different. To understand what funding looks like at Community of Saints Regional Catholic School (COS), I talked to Phil Boelter who’s on the school’s board of directors and serves on the ﬁnance committee…
Fr. Steve’s Column – Generosity is a way of life. It is the recognition that all I am and all I have is a gift from God. These gifts are to be used responsibly and shared with others. Generous parents produce and nurture generous children. The McKeown and Cullen families are fine examples of this.
COS Garden Yields a Bountiful Harvest – Last spring, with the help of Master Gardeners from the University of Minnesota Extension Program, students at Community of Saints (COS) planted tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and green beans along with other vegetables, herbs, and flowers for pollinators, in a garden on the school’s campus.
2021-2022 Annual Report – A&F&F Contributions Provide Foundation for Success. 590 Donors contributed $468,117. Community of Saints was launched in 2012 with minimal resources, zero financial reserves, and a unique mission – to ensure all families in the community have access to a high-quality, Catholic education regardless of their ability to pay tuition. Fifteen years later, COS owns its campus, has strong enrollment, an outstanding staff, strong community partnerships, and state-of-the-art technology. The school is recognized as a leader for innovative programs that increase equity in educational outcomes. These accomplishments are the direct result of your commitment to our mission.
A Mass to Celebrate Your Generosity, Thursday, December 8 at 9:00 a.m. at Community of Saints. You are welcome to join us in person for a school Mass to honor the generous support of A&F&F donors. Fr. Steve Adrian will preside. Following Mass, you can tour the school, enjoy refreshments, and meet our middle school students.
Double Your Gift! For the month of December, all gifts will be matched dollar-for- dollar (up to $7,500) thanks to the generous support of an alum and good friend of COS. Donate online at www.communityofsaints.org/give
Celebrate a Loved One with a Gift in Their Name – This Christmas, give a gift in honor or in memory of someone in your life to celebrate their commitment to Catholic education. One hundred percent of your donation goes to support tuition assistance for students at Community of Saints. Mail your gift to: Community of Saints, 335 Hurley St. E., West St. Paul, MN 55118. Make checks payable to Community of Saints. You can also give online by visiting www.communityofsaints.org/give. Your contribution is tax deductible and all gifts made by December 31, 2022, will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $7,500, thanks to the generous support of an alum and good friend of COS. Call Doug Lieser at 651-457-2510 for more information.

Special thanks to Jeannine of Block Portrait Studios for many of the photos in this issue. To see more, visit her website at block-studios.com.

The Good News Summer 2022

Our Biggest Challenge Ever! $80,000 Challenge Grant from Hugh & Melissa Cullen. This alum-sponsored match is in honor of Fr. Steve Adrian’s 80th birthday.
Message from Father Steve. “It was 15 years ago that Alums & Friends & Families came to be. The cost of Catholic education was making it difficult for many West Side families to see Catholic school as an option for their children. I invited a handful of people to come together and brainstorm with me about the future of Catholic education in our West Side community.”
Mixing Work, Fun & Philanthropy. St. Matthew’s Men’s Club Supports COS and Parish Communities. The Men’s Club has a long history of supporting the school. Member Tim Nowak admits it takes a little more effort to coordinate since the school is off campus, but club members continually step up to provide funds for things that aren’t covered by the budget.
What’s Next for COS Alums. As the Class of 2022 graduates from 8th grade and prepares for high school, we also caught up with Community of Saints (COS) alums who are heading to college and graduate school. Find out what they have to say as they prepare for what’s next, and reﬂect on the role COS has played in their lives.
What’s Next for 8th Grade Graduates. See what high schools our Class of 2022 will be attending.

The Good News – Spring 2022

Reunions Are Back! Alums Reconnect & Remember
Message from Father Steve – In this, my age of gratitude, I think of you; and I give thanks for you. Know that your support makes COS possible. Please continue to join me in the regular financial support of our students. The “powers that be” are arranging an opportunity for us to meet and greet in April (see pg 11). Know that I would be delighted to thank you personally for the gift you have been and continue to be to the students of Community of Saints.
RMD Contributions Simplify Giving – A few years ago, Tom and Mary stopped writing checks and began using their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from their 401k to make contributions. “Financially it’s better for us,” explained Tom. “We don’t havr to take the RMD income. Instead, it goes directly to Community of Saints. It saves on taxes and allows us to give a little bit more money to charity.”
60-Year Reunion for St. Matt’s Class of ’61 – On September 18, 2021, classmates held their 60th reunion at Joseph’s Grill in St. Paul, but that’s not the only opportunity this group of alums has to see each other. For the past ﬁve years, the ’61 classmates have been meeting about every three months at Joseph’s Grill. “The day varies but it’s either for breakfast or lunch.” said Joe Mansur. “The numbers have been building – we get about 15-20 people who usually show up.”
The Cover Up – As told by Tom Armstrong. “When he turned the knob, the door fell into the hallway and we both jumped out of the way. It was a big, heavy door and landed on the tile floor with a loud bam! All the classroom doors flew open and the next thing I saw was Sister Dominica coming towards us with several large 8th grade boys…”
St. Matthew’s Class of 1972 Celebrates 50-Year Reunion – May 14, 2022, St. Matthew’s Social Hall, 5 p.m. following 4:15 p.m. Mass. See class photo.
St. Mike’s Class of 1980 Reunion – September 25, 2022, Kaposia Park, South St. Paul
St. Michael Class of 1972 – See class photo.
Brady High School Class of ’71 Contributes to COS Tuition Assistance – 50-Year Reunion Includes Gift to Support Catholic Education
St. John Vianney Class of 1972 – See class photo.
COS Alum Returns as Student-Teacher – Gaby Sanchez Helps school get through Omicron surge.
A&F&F Welcomes New Committee Members – Diane Perkovich Hanzal and Denise Hanzal Quinlan share passion for Catholic education.
Join Us in April to Celebrate Fr. Steve Adrian’s 80th Birthday – Please help us honor Fr. Steve’s service to St. Matthew’s community and students at Community of Saints. There will be two opportunities to join the festivities: SATURDAY, APRIL 23 after 4:15 p.m. Mass in the back of St. Matthew’s Church. SUNDAY, APRIL 24 after 10:15 a.m. Mass (until 2:00 p.m.) in St. Matthew’s social hall.

The Good News – Fall-Winter 2021-2022

COS Helps All Students Reach Their Full Potential – Despite huge educational challenges created by COVID-19, Principal Bridget Kramer hasn’t allowed it to slow down efforts to create an environment where all students can reach their full potential. This year Community of Saints (COS) has kept the momentum going with rigorous new curriculums in science and math, while also expanding City Connects, a program that addresses obstacles to learning that occur outside of the classroom.
Message from Father Steve – It is a common family experience, if one member of the family is in trouble, the others will put aside what they are doing and come to the aid of the troubled family member. When there is one student in the classroom who is having difficulty, the teacher will give a little more attention to that student.
Archdiocese Names Community of Saints a Drexel Mission School – The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis named Community of Saints (COS) a Drexel Mission School, one of ten in the Twin Cities. The initiative recognizes Catholic elementary schools serving low-income families and students of color for a dual challenge; the schools have limited ability to generate revenue from tuition while shouldering the extra costs of providing additional services crucial to students’ success.
What’s New with COS Faculty? – Meet some of the teachers who are new this year, who are returning this year, and who decided it was time for a change.
565 Donors Contributed $393,920 for Tuition Assistance – The opportunity gap refers to the difference in education achievements between different groups of students, such as white students and students of color, or students from higher-income and lower-income households. Minnesota has one of the highest opportunity gaps in the country.

The Good News – Summer 2021

Congratulations to the COS Class of 2017 – Now High School Graduates
Message from Father Steve – “The school year is winding down – and what a year it has been; unlike any of us have ever seen or expected. Administration, teachers, and students pulled together to be successful this year, to learn new skills and to develop new ways of engaging with each other.”
Tom Smith, Retired St. Paul Police Chief, Pays Tribute to Father Steve – “Honor Father Steve with a Donation to COS”
Lessons Learned – COS Students Reflect on School Year
Kindergarteners Celebrate Spring – COS’s Biggest K-Class Ever Heads to 1st Grade
Brothers recount ups and downs of distance learning
Congratulations to the 8th Grade Graduating Class of 2021

The Good News – Fall-Winter 2020-2021

COS Partnership with Notre Dame Delivers Highest Quality Academics – When Fr. Nate Wills, C.S.C., Ph.D., heard that COS received a grant to participate
in Notre Dame’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Teaching Fellows initiative, he was pleased but a little surprised.
Message from Father Steve – “I pray that you are doing well and have the support that makes life in this pandemic possible for you. Our students pray for you daily.
Students and teachers have been marvelously resilient in adapting to the demands of this year. Many of our families have additional burdens with loss of job or being furloughed. The national and international result of the death of George Floyd has touched many of our families, especially families of color. 2020 has been a year unlike any I have experienced.”
Teacher profile – Audrey Moorhouse, Middle School Science – Mission to Attract Diverse Students to STEM is Both Personal and Professional
COS Adds 2nd Kindergarten Classroom – With 36 students, this year’s class of kindergarteners is Community of Saint’s largest. Because a large number of siblings attend COS, the school had been planning to add a second kindergarten classroom since last winter.
Following Their Dad’s Lead Siblings Honor Dad with Gift to Tuition Assistance – When John O’Halloran celebrated his birthday this year, his children decided to honor him by joining him in support of Community of Saints. Siblings Emily, John, and Mike made a $4,180 gift to cover a full scholarship for one child, plus an additional $1,000.
PRINCIPAL’S UPDATE: Education During COVID-19 – During pandemic, Principal Bridget Kramer focuses on keeping kids safe, and on how she can use technology to keep kids engaged and learning.
547 Donors Contributed $345,927 for Tuition Assistance A Record Number of Donors and Donations – To say that it’s been a challenging year for schools is an understatement. Figuring out how to safely teach children during a pandemic has been riddled with variables: What if a student gets sick? What if a teacher gets sick? What if there’s another shutdown?

The Good News – Summer 2020

Dollar-for-Dollar Match Now – Until June 30! Help us reach our goal to support tuition assistance.
During Crisis, COS Supports Students and Families. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on school families has been a constant worry for Principal Bridget Kramer. At Community of Saints, over 65% of families qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch, one of the highest rates for Catholic schools in the archdiocese, putting them at greatest risk during the economic downturn. What follows is a look at how the school responded to the crisis.
Fr. Steve’s Column: “These last months have taught me that flexibility is the name of the game and the lead article of this issue demonstrates that our faculty and students are up to the challenge and succeeding.”
Margaret Pohl’s Estate Gift Supports COS Students. We’d like to acknowledge the generous gift from Margaret (Galvin) Pohl’s estate. Margaret died on March 1 at the age of 99. “She almost made it to 100,” said her son, Dan.
Remembering Jerry Sexton ’44, Founder of A&F&F. From the Editor: I met Jerry Sexton for the first time when he came to my house in 2007 and asked me to be the editor for a newsletter he wanted to publish. He already had a name for it, “The Good News.” I was dubious – he was insistent. The newsletter was part of a bigger plan he had to support St. Matthew’s School. Since that meeting 13 years ago, over $2 million has been raised for tuition assistance, first at St. Matt’s, now at COS. Jerry passed away on March 21 and to honor him, I want to share the story of how this whole Alums & Friends & Families thing got started, because Jerry was the one who made it happen.
Congratulations to the COS Class of 2016 as They Graduate High School. Graduation ceremonies are on hold but we still want to recognize the COS class of 2016 as they graduate high school. In talking with the four students featured here, something really stood out. They all described how tight-knit their COS class was and how those friends continue to be among their most treasured relationships today, which is pretty special.

The Good News – Spring 2020

Class of 1970 – All School Reunion! St. Matt’s, St. Mike’s, St. John Vianney, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saturday, May 16, 5:30 p.m., St. Matthew’s Social Hall.
COS Rewarded for “Exceptional Results”, Receives Bonus $10,000 Grant from Healey Foundation
Fr. Steve’s Column: “Community of Saints Regional Catholic School grows enrollment, expands educational opportunities, and thrives in the development of the whole student – physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually.”
Ret. General Joseph Votel ’72 Will Address COS Middle School and Donors on Monday, April 20, 10 a.m., Community of Saints School, 335 Hurley St. East, West St. Paul.
Gifts Given in Memory of George Kronschnabel (1925-2020)
Planning for Giving – Donors Use “Required Minimum Distribution” (RMD) to Contribute to COS
Remember When… Class of 1970 from St. Matthew, St. Michael, and St. John Vianney Share Memories
Class of 1970 group graduation photos
School News
- What Makes Preschool So Popular. Community of Saint’s preschool has a great reputation with families and the credentials to back it up. It’s earned a Four-STAR Parent-Aware rating, the highest possible score, and it’s received national accreditation from NAEYC (the National Association for Education of Young Children).
- A Community Eager to Give What They Receive. After some family’s circumstances have improved, they return the favor!
- STEM Club Sparks Interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Building robots and programming them to do things is fun!

The Good News – Fall-Winter 2019

Service, Faith & Leadership: Joe Votel ’72 and Tom Smith ’72
End of Year Challenge!
Honor A Loved One who values Catholic education
Fr. Steve’s Column
Class of 1959 Reunion
2018-2019 Annual Report
School News:
- After 5 Years with Bridget Kramer as Principal, Enrollment Is Up 18% and COS is Going Strong
- Grants from University of Notre Dame
- Faith Serves as Foundation
- Expanding Resources to Manage Growth
- COS Reports 100% Staff Retention
- COS is Thankful for Generous Support
- Service is a core value at COS

COS 2019 Success Postcard

An interim mailing to our alumni and supporters highlighting recent successes.

The Good News – Summer 2019

COS Purchases St. Michael’s Campus
Fr. Steve’s Column
Tom McKeown Knows a Good Education Changes Lives
COS 2015 Alums Graduate from High School
Class of ’69 & Reunion Sunday, April 28, 2019
School News: University of Notre Dame Awards STEM Grant to COS
School News: Coin Drive Raises $1,736.05 to Support Youth with Cancer
School News: WEM Renews 3-Year Grant
School News: Archbishop Hebda Visits COS
School News: 8th Graders Head North for Annual Trip to Wolf Ridge
Congratulations to the 8th Grade Graduating Class of 2019

The Good News – Spring 2019

Fr. Steve’s Column
COS Partners With University of Notre Dame Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE)
General Joe Votel ’72
Classes of 1969
Marge Milner Will Retire After Teaching for 30 Years
Remembering St. Michael’s School: Gerald Kegler 1950-1959
Remembering St. Matthew’s School: Mark Votel 1951-1958
Join us for Reunion Sunday! April 28, 2019
Celebrate Mass with Archbishop Hebda, Thursday, April 4, 9:10 am, COS School

The Good News – Fall-Winter 2018

COS Starts Year with 10% More Students and a New Board of Directors
Celebrate Fr. Steve’s 50th Anniversary
Annual Report: Record Breaking $275,827 Raised from 524 Donors
COS Student Speaks at Aim Higher Foundation Event
Meet the New Board of Directors
End of Year Matching Donation Challenge!
Gifts Given to Honor Frederick Commers (1936-2018)
Gifts Given to Honor Sr. Patricia DeBlieck, CSJ (1938-2018)
Honor a Loved One With a Gift in Their Name
School Warms Up with a New Boiler
Save the date: Reunion Sunday, May 19, 2018

The Good News – Summer 2018

Class of 2014 High School Grads Share Plans and Advice As They Head to College
Message from Fr. Steve
Dollar-For-Dollar Matching until June 30
Music Teacher Kristina Guiffre Makes Fundamentals Fun
Reunion Sunday Mass and Breakfast
Class of 1968 Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
Why I Give: Kathryn Grayson (’02)
8th Grade Class Trip to Wolf Ridge
COS Student Awarded Flaherty Foundation Scholarship
Boys Basketball Team Makes It To Championship

The Good News – Spring 2018

Isaac’s Wish – To Help Homeless
Message from Fr. Steve
50 Years Later…We Remember the Fire.
April 15: 50th Anniversary remembrance of St. Matthew’s old church and the fire that destroyed it. 10 a.m. Mass followed by brunch in the Social Hall (free will offering). RSVP to Linda Rivera at the Parish Center – 651-224-9793. Also see The Good News Special Edition – 40th Anniversary of the Church Fire (2008)
St. Matthew’s Class of ’68 50 Year Reunion
First Girls Basketball Team
Lunch Monitor and the Firecracker
Collecting Green Stamps For The Nuns’ First Car
Alum David McDonald Adds A&F&F to Christmas List
Good Friends, Good School
St. Michael Class of 1968
St. John Vianney Class of 1968
Students Thank Supporters in Prayer and in Person
School Awarded Healy Foundation Grant for Successful Registration Drive
Catholic Schools Week Celebrates Friendship, Learning and Service
Once-A-Month Donor Linda Sellars

The Good News – Fall-Winter 2017

COS Enrollment up 15%. School Families Create Good Buzz and Bring in More Students
Message from Fr. Steve
School Update from Principal Bridget Kramer
Former School Parent is New School Secretary
COS Preschool Rated 4 Stars by Parent Aware
Looking Back at 10 Years of The Good News
Alums & Friends & Families 2017 Annual Report. $215,459 Raised in 9 Months Last Year – Over $1.5 Million in 10 Years!
Dorothy Hecht Estate Gift Honors Fond Memories of St. Matthew’s
$8,500 Challenge thru Dec. 31