It has been a busy couple of weeks getting the school year started! As we have a moment to catch up, we wanted to make sure that the members of our parish community were aware of a recent initiative at St. Aloysius School, Renovate to Educate.
The weekend of the Back to School Bash, long time parishioner and teacher, Meredith Brooks, shared her story and the recent changes to the school building. Just in case you missed it, here is an excerpt from her speech is below:
Many of you know me as Mrs. Brooks, your friendly kindergarten teacher. Others know me as Meredith Henson, proud St. Aloysius Class of 2004. In 2016, Fr. John married my husband and me right here in our beautiful chapel. The following year, I began teaching first grade here, and I’ve now been teaching kindergarten for six years. In between, we welcomed two beautiful daughters—both baptized in the chapel and now students here.
People often ask, “Why kindergarten?” Well, to survive in a room with 24 five-year-olds every day, you have to be slightly… Nuts. It’s organized chaos at its finest. But my journey here didn’t start with a teaching degree—it started with a brick. When I was a student here, someone spoke at Mass, just like I am today about renovating the Eagle’s Nest. For $50, you could have your name on a brick in the new walkway. My parents—who sacrificed so much to send their three daughters to Catholic school—bought a brick for each of us. When it was finished, I saw “Meredith Ann Henson” in the walkway, and I felt like I was on the Hollywood Walk of Fame… and still do. That brick taught me something: giving to this school leaves a legacy.
Why This Matters
Years later, after teaching in public school, I realized something was missing. I wasn’t just called to teach—I was called to share the faith. That’s what brought me home to St. Aloysius.This past summer, we made renovations—new kindergarten and resource rooms, preschool upgrades, a welcoming lobby, refreshed classrooms. These changes create the best possible learning environment for our children—not just academically, but spiritually. And here’s the thing—every improvement has been made thoughtfully, with no debt, no loans, and the guidance of our parish family. We’ve paid off $2.3 million in past debt, and we plan and budget before we build.
Years later, after teaching in public school, I realized something was missing. I wasn’t just called to teach—I was called to share the faith. That’s what brought me home to St. Aloysius.This past summer, we made renovations—new kindergarten and resource rooms, preschool upgrades, a welcoming lobby, refreshed classrooms. These changes create the best possible learning environment for our children—not just academically, but spiritually. And here’s the thing—every improvement has been made thoughtfully, with no debt, no loans, and the guidance of our parish family. We’ve paid off $2.3 million in past debt, and we plan and budget before we build.
The Call to Action
We don’t need to be the biggest school in the archdiocese. We need to stay who we are—a small, faith-filled community with big hearts. But we do need to keep our facilities strong so we can form disciples of Christ for generations to come. That’s where you come in. Just like my parents did all those years ago, I’m asking you to give—to help us finish renovations and keep growing without debt. Maybe that’s a one-time gift. Maybe it’s increasing your weekly offertory. Whatever you give, you’re building something that will outlast you. When you give, you’re not just funding a building—you’re shaping the faith, hearts, and futures of our children. And as Christ said, “Let the children come to me.” Let’s make sure they always have a place to come and like me come back to. Thank you, and God bless.
We don’t need to be the biggest school in the archdiocese. We need to stay who we are—a small, faith-filled community with big hearts. But we do need to keep our facilities strong so we can form disciples of Christ for generations to come. That’s where you come in. Just like my parents did all those years ago, I’m asking you to give—to help us finish renovations and keep growing without debt. Maybe that’s a one-time gift. Maybe it’s increasing your weekly offertory. Whatever you give, you’re building something that will outlast you. When you give, you’re not just funding a building—you’re shaping the faith, hearts, and futures of our children. And as Christ said, “Let the children come to me.” Let’s make sure they always have a place to come and like me come back to. Thank you, and God bless.
There is still time to contribute to the Renovate to Educate fund. You can donate via Faithdirect
or you are welcome to drop donations off at the Parish Office. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
