By now you will have heard that not only did Stella Maris Academy make the decision to begin High School programming by Fall of 2022, but that we had purchased the buildings and property previously known as Woodland Hills or The Hills Youth and Family Services. Those who are older in our community will remember that it was once owned by the Diocese and run as an orphanage. Secured through the generous donations of private benefactors totaling $4 million, the 140-acre property includes a main campus building, gymnasium, and numerous outbuildings.

You are well aware that we haven’t had a bricks and mortar High School since Cathedral High School ceased operations and Marshall School purchased the building and began their own private high school. Bishops over the years have brought various committees together to try and strengthen the Catholic grade schools we had. When I was previously in Duluth, I was a part of one of those committees, which led to the group that eventually established Stella Maris Academy. That particular committee was convinced that we would never truly strengthen our grade school and middle school programs without also having a high school program. It was important to give families the ability to give their children a thoroughly Catholic education through 12th grade. And this past year, we recognized that we had a unique opportunity to make the commitment to fulfill the promise of Stella Maris and Bishop Sirba. And I have to say that when we made the decision to start at least 9th grade no later than 2022, we had no clue that the opportunity to purchase a site that would be well suited for a high school would become available. It wasn’t even on our radar.

When the opportunity of purchasing the Hills came about at the end of June, I remember what Bishop Felton said at the time: “If the Holy Spirit wants this, He will help us to make it happen.” Frankly it was amazing how rapidly things came about. I remarked that not only did we not have lots of road blocks placed in front of us, the Holy Spirit seemed to pave the highway! In this world, which is becoming more challenging every day, we need to give our young people as much of a formation in the Faith as we can. And I believe there is no better way to form them in the Faith than in schools completely dedicated to forming them in the Catholic Christian Faith. I do hope you will support this great effort of bringing about a Catholic High School once again in our great city!

In Christ & Mary Immaculate, 

Fr. Tony

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary seeks a skilled liturgical musician to join the music ministry team. The individual will be the primary keyboardist at the Cathedral, leading all weekend Masses and special parish and diocesan liturgies from the organ and piano. Interested applicants can view the full job description on the Cathedral website  and apply to Director of Music Jennifer Campbell at jennifer.campbell@duluthcatholic.org.  

The Knights of Columbus will be conducting an Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity Sunday October 31, 2021 at 12:30 PM at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary.  This ceremony will enable men, who have become Knights, to join the Msgr. O'Shea Council and other councils in the Duluth area and will center on their pledge to charitable service as Catholic gentlemen.  All parishioners are welcome to attend.

The Msgr. O'Shea Council will be holding a membership drive after all Masses at the Cathedral and St. Mary Star of the Sea the weekend of October 30 and 31st.  Whether you become an individual member or a member of our council you will find that Knights of Columbus membership brings Catholic men together in a powerful way.  If you would like to join today simply go to KofC.org/joinus and enter our council #15761 for local information and/or contact Bob Spehar 218-349-5051.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society: Please continue to support us especially with your prayers. Questions, call Dcn. Jim at 218-348-6258.  We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 6pm.  1st Thursday at SMSS; 3rd Thursday location: TBD.  Email svdpduluthmn@gmail.com or call Deacon Jim for details.

The 40 Days for Life Duluth Prayer Vigil continues and prayer warriors are needed to pray outside the abortion center, located within the Building for Women, 32 E. 1st St.  Vigil is keep between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, ending October 31st.  Peaceful vigil hours may be registered for at www.40daysforlife.com/Duluth or by contacting Paulette at 218-348-1345 or 40daysduluth@gmail.com.  YOU and your prayers are needed to fill the many vigil hours as we pray to save the babies and their mothers.

Sentinel Service Days are here! This year, Stella Maris Academy is spreading out its fall service work throughout the month of October. Classes are working on service projects and reaching out to parish and greater Duluth communities by raking leaves, writing letters to the homebound, and so much more. These service days are one of the many ways Stella Maris Academy seeks to instill a heart of service in its students, fulfilling its mission to prepare lifelong learners who lead, love, and serve as Jesus taught.

East Duluth Catholic Faith Formation, a collaborative effort of the parishes in East Duluth, is accepting applications for the Director of Relational and Youth Ministry for 6th – 12th grade students. This is a part-time position with flexible hours. We are looking for someone who possesses a sincere and demonstrated ability to share their Catholic faith in the dynamic environment of a larger-scale middle and high school religious education program. The director is responsible for opportunities whereby faith can be sparked and nourished through retreat experiences and other opportunities for building relationships with our young people. Please see the full job description here. If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter, resume and references to lauren.finnegan@duluthcatholic.org.  

The Diocese of Duluth's Pastoral Center is filling their building maintenance position. This role is casual, therefore one will be called upon as needs arise. The successful candidate will assist in maintaining and monitoring building operations, equipment, and grounds of the Diocese of Duluth. The goal is to maintain an efficient, safe, and effective environment for staff and visitors. Please contact Mary Rasch at mary.rasch@duluthcatholic.org for a job description and an application.