Honoring Our Past, Investing in Our Future

In 1853, the 14th President of the United States had just taken office. The Civil War was still eight years away. There were no automobiles, airplanes, telephones or electric lights in daily use.

Academy of the Sacred Heart

Yet that same year, the Religious Sisters of the Sacred Heart opened the first Catholic school in St. Joseph, Missouri at the invitation of Fr. Thomas Scanlan, the first resident pastor. These pioneering sisters traveled to a growing frontier town with a simple and powerful mission: to educate young people and form them in faith.

Imagine the faith it took to begin a school in a community that was still finding its footing. There were no guarantees of success, no large endowment and no certainty about what the future would hold. What the sisters did have was a belief that Catholic education could change lives. That conviction became the foundation of a tradition that has endured for more than 170 years.

Christian Brothers High School

What started as a single Catholic school did not remain a single school for long. In 1867, Fr. Scanlan invited the Christian Brothers to open a school for boys, ensuring that even more young people could benefit from a Catholic education. Together, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the Christian Brothers and generations of devoted Catholic families built a foundation that would shape St. Joseph for decades to come. Today, five Academy campuses stand as the fruit of those efforts and the faith of those who came before us.

Every campus, classroom and tradition we enjoy today exists because generations of families, educators, clergy and benefactors invested in a future they would never fully see.

The United in Faith, Forward in Excellence campaign is an opportunity to continue our shared story. Just as previous generations prepared the way for us, we are called to prepare the way for those who will follow.

The story of Catholic education in St. Joseph is still being written. Our responsibility is not only to appreciate the gift we have received, but to strengthen it and pass it on.

How Did We Decide the Campaign Priorities?

As we continue exploring the United in Faith, Forward in Excellence campaign, it's natural to ask: How did we decide what to include?

The projects in this campaign were not developed by one person or selected in a single meeting. They are the result of years of planning, evaluation and conversation across the Academy.

Academy leadership, principals, pastors and facilities professionals worked together to identify needs across all five campuses. Those recommendations were then tested through a campaign feasibility study, where community leaders, parents, alumni and supporters were invited to share feedback. Their input helped refine the project list and confirm which priorities would have the greatest impact on our Academy.

From there, the proposed campaign was reviewed and approved by the Academy Board and ultimately approved by Bishop Johnston before moving forward.

Just as importantly, each project was evaluated through the lens of our mission. The goal was not simply to improve buildings. The goal was to identify investments that will strengthen Catholic education, support our scholars and serve families for years to come.

No campaign can solve every challenge at once. Responsible stewardship requires setting priorities and focusing resources where they can make the greatest difference.

The projects included in this campaign reflect that process: careful planning, broad input and a shared commitment to the future of St. Joseph Catholic Academy.

Why Now? Why This Campaign?

Last week, we explored what a capital campaign is. This week, let's look at a question many people are asking: Why now?

The answer is simple. St. Joseph Catholic Academy is in a position of strength, and we have an opportunity to prepare for the future rather than simply react to challenges as they arise.

Since the Academy's formation, we've seen growing enthusiasm for Catholic education and renewed confidence in our shared mission. At the same time, many of our buildings require investments that go beyond routine maintenance. Safety improvements, accessibility upgrades and facility improvements are needs that deserve thoughtful attention.

In our campaign video, Bishop Johnston describes this moment as "a crossroads moment." He explains, "We have been blessed with a heritage and it's something we want to take care of... I think we see the potential for an even brighter future."

That captures the heart of this campaign.

Previous generations sacrificed to build the schools we enjoy today. We benefit from their vision every day. Now, we have the opportunity to strengthen those same schools so future generations can experience the same gift of Catholic education.

This campaign is about restoring what we have, building on our strengths, investing in our mission and preparing for an even brighter future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da-P_i5-ejk