The Common Link FORMERLY NOTRE DAME FOUNDATION EST. 1991

POINTS OF INTEREST: How are we doing? 6th Grade Graduation MFCE 13th Annual Events

MFFCE BOARD of DIRECTORS Fr. Michael Schneider Fr. Shane Stevens Craig Stucky—President Jodi Wilson– Vice President Michelle Ommen– Secretary Terry Sabers Jeff Smith Deb Bruce Darrel Anderson Bunny Koester Randy Rezac Christine Lemmer Robin Cahoy Development Director: Nicole Fuhrer www.mitchellfce.com 605.999.9127 [email protected]

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Back to the Basics In light of the 125th Anniversary Celebration for our Diocese, I thought this would be a perfect time to revisit the history of Catholic Education here in Mitchell, as well as the history of our Foundation. I tend to assume (which we all know what happens when we assume) that every time I send a newsletter, submit a bulletin article, or send a request for support that you know who we are, what we stand for, and what our mission is. What are the reasons our Foundation was formed? Where did we start and where we are now? Most importantly, where are we going and how can you help us get there? Hopefully this edition will give you some insight as to why supporting the Mitchell Foundation for Catholic Education is so important! I would like to offer a personal welcome to Father Shane Stevens to Holy Family and to our Catholic Community. As pastor of Holy Family Parish, Fr. Stevens automatically becomes a voting Board Member for our Foundation. I know he will bring great insight to our board and I look forward to working with him to carry out our mission. Since this is a bi-annual newsletter, there is a lot inside to rejoice about! Over the past six months, a lot has happened in our Mitchell Catholic Community. Thank you for your discipleship and witness of faith. Whether you offer your prayerful and/ or financial support, it takes each and every one of you to make these events happen. THANK YOU! Continued Blessings,

1510 West Elm Mitchell SD 57301

Development Director

Fr. Larry Regynski with his adult mass servers at his last daily Mass at Holy Family church on Tuesday, June 30th. Thank you Fr. Larry for 12 faithful years!

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The History of Catholic Education in Mitchell For over 125 years Catholic Education has played in integral role in the religious formation, and the academic and personal development in students. This opportunity for growth has been made available because of the generosity and commitment of the Presentation Sisters, dedicated priests, caring parish families and alumni. In 1886 meetings were held to build a Catholic school to be under the direction of the Sisters of Charity from Fond du Lac, WI. On May 23, 1886 the school cornerstone was placed. The school was opened on September 6, 1886 with 46 students. In 1895 four Benedictine sisters from Yankton were sent to staff Holy Family School. They taught there for three years. In 1898 the Presentation Sisters of Aberdeen sent four sisters to continue Catholic education in Mitchell. In 1912 a decision was made to tear down Holy Family School and build a new one. The Notre Dame Academy was started in 1912. The first graduating class of 1914 consisted of two members. In 1918, Notre Dame Junior College opened in Mitchell. The East wing of the Notre Dame Academy building was added in 1921. The Presentation Sisters nurtured these schools for many years by providing nuns for teachers, administrators, and helping in the overall operations of the building. As time passed, the Sisters envisioned a growing need for expanding the opportunities for college students. These needs were met by merging Notre Dame Junior College with Presentation Junior College of Aberdeen in 1951. Notre Dame Junior College graduated 1,376students during its 29 year existence in Mitchell.

The Cornerstone by John C Green. Prints available for sale.

In 1954 the Holy Family gymnasium was built across the street from the school, and new additions to the Notre Dame Academy building were completed in 1955 and 1960. In 1962, the steady growth of the Mitchell community led Holy Family parish to split. Holy Spirit Parish was formed and in 1964 Holy Spirit School opened its doors to students in grades one through eight. Notre Dame High School moved to the former public high school building on East Fifth Street in the winter of 1963. Students from both parishes took advantage of this opportunity to continue their Catholic education at the new location. Financial woes began to plague the high school operation in the late sixties, and in 1970 the difficult decision was made to close Notre Dame High School. In 1987 Holy Family and Holy Spirit Schools joined to form the Mitchell Catholic School system. With the departure of the Presentation Sisters from Mitchell, the schools would be without religious sisters for the first time since the school’s inception. Over the next several years, Holy Family and Holy Spirit schools streamlined their operations by eliminating grades seven and eight while adding preschool services. The Holy Family site housed grades three through sixth, and the Holy Spirit site housed Preschool –second grades. Combined school enrollment at that time was 293.

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In 1999 Holy Family and Holy Spirit parishes made the decision to combine the Catholic School System into one facility; with the encouragement from the Bishop, Pastors, parents and school personnel. An intensive fundraising campaign was launched to fund the new construction. On May 1, 2000, the new John Paul II Elementary school held its groundbreaking as an addition to the Holy Spirit School. Holy Family School was closed and classrooms were moved into the new John Paul II facility. On January 2, 2001 all students started school at John Paul II Elementary School.

Learning in the Light of Faith by John C Green. Prints available for sale.

In 2005 the abandoned yet venerable Notre Dame Academy was demolished to make way for the new addition of Holy Family Church. Today strong Catholic Education opportunities the Holy Family and Holy Spirit parishes of John Paul II School, and caring alumni!

remain available because of the faithful support of along with the administration, staff and families

The History of our Foundation The Mitchell Foundation for Catholic Education, originally the Notre Dame Foundation, was formed in 1991. The purpose of this Foundation is to create a sound financial base, through an endowment, to support Catholic education in Mitchell. In addition, through its financial resources, the MFCE intends to support the spiritual, educational, and social well-being of our Catholic faith community. Over the past 24 years the Foundation has seen many changes including the name. Our purpose is the same, the goal of building a solid Catholic education for our faith community. Guiding the Foundation is a board of Holy Spirit and Holy Family laity and clergy. This board oversees all investment activity by the Foundation, providing expert and sound leadership for the Foundation’s assets. The Foundation’s ministry is to enhance the stewardship of the Catholic community whereby the faithful share their expertise, time, talent, wisdom, and financial resources. We wish to continue to financially assist and lead the John Paul II Elementary School, the Faith Formation Program, and the Parishes of Holy Family and Holy Spirit to new heights of Catholic excellence.

Our Mission, Vision, Values and Goals The Foundation’s purpose is to build upon its mission to further the religious and educational activities of Catholic Education in the greater Mitchell area. In order to accomplish this mission the Foundation has adopted these main goals and objectives. Provide - A vehicle for those who wish to give a permanent endowment Build - A permanent endowment to assure continued funding of Catholic Education Develop - Specialized vehicles such as bequests, memorials, annuities, charitable trusts, and annual giving plans to provide a strong financial base. Communicate— With the Diocese, parishes and educators on an on-going basis.

Preserve the Past & Protect the Future! Your gift to the Mitchell Foundation for Catholic Education can help support the spiritual, educational, and social well being of our Catholic faith community. A gift can help assure that our various ministries will be viable well into the future. In addition, a donation regardless of size, is a beautiful tribute, a way to acknowledge a loved one or commemorate a special occasion.

What is an Endowment Fund? An endowment fund is a perpetual fund. It is created by charitable donations in the form of cash, stocks, mutual funds, real property, or other personal property given to a Foundation.

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How does an endowment work? The practice of investing the principal, rather than spending it, creates a perpetual fund. Most of an endowments annual earnings are distributed to the designated benefactors or programs. Endowments provide a “forever giving” funding source to Catholic programs and activities. It’s easy and does not require a monetary gift to set up.

How are we doing today?

$1,000,000.00 $900,000.00 $800,000.00 $700,000.00 $600,000.00 $500,000.00 $400,000.00 $300,000.00 $200,000.00 $100,000.00 $0.00

MFCE Total Assets

In 1991 the MFCE was established with seed money of just under $37,000, and a goal of reaching $500,000 in assets. Today (24 years later) we have grown to current assets of $925,000! This is an awesome witness, and a true testament to the care our catholic 1991 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 community has for our mission! For the past seven years a full time development office has helped increase the awareness of our foundation and the need to establish perpetual funding for catholic education in Mitchell. Our new goal is to reach 1 Million Dollars in assets within the next year and $1.5 Million within the next five years. The need to keep building our Foundation is more important than ever! It is inevitable that our local parishes will no longer be able to continue the level of support they give today. Currently, the parishes provide almost 50% of the overall budget for John Paul II School. The other 50% is covered by tuition, the PTO, individual donor support and the MFCE.

Pictured Above: Development Director, Nicole Fuhrer presents the 2015 annual distribution checks to John Paul II School Principal, Robin Cahoy for $25,514.39 and Christine Lemmer, Director of Faith Formation for $2,725.55. As our Foundation grows, these checks continue to grow! Together we are making a difference—THANK YOU! We have many generous families and benefactors who have established named endowment funds to perpetually support Catholic Education in Mitchell. Please visit our website to learn their stories and the legacies they have created. www.mitchellfce.com

John Paul II 1st Day of School: Wed., August 19th

K– 12 Faith Formation registration is ongoing. Please visit www.ffmitchell.com for information and to download the registration forms.

www.johnpaul2.org PreSchool through 6th Grade.

*Volunteer teachers, aides and substitutes are always needed!

New families are always welcome!

Please prayerfully consider how you can help!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates and pictures of many activities happening throughout the year! @MitchellFCE

Over fifty youth from our parishes participated in the Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday this year. The portrayal of the last moments of Christ’s life were held at each parish.

Upcoming Reunions: The Notre Dame Class of 1960 is having their 55th Class Reunion on September 12-13 in Mitchell. Contact Sharon Graber or the MFCE office for details. The Notre Dame class of 1965 is having their 50th Class Reunion in Mitchell September 11-13, 2015. Contact Diana Giblin or the MFCE office for more information.

Thank you to everyone who supported our flower basket fundraiser in May! We sold 136 baskets this year with a $10 donation from Ymker Greenhouse for each basket! Cliff and Esther Pedersen

If your class is planning a reunion, or would like assistance planning a reunion, please contact Nicole in the MFCE Office. I would love to help! THE

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shared this picture of their beautiful basket still in full bloom on July 8th!

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Scholarships Awarded Congratulations to this year's 5th Annual Marilyn Peschong Memorial Scholarship winner, Tyler Larson! Tyler is the son of Pat and Angie Larson. He will be attending the University of Sioux Falls working towards a Biology / Pre-Optometry Degree. Congratulations Tyler! ~ Thanks to the Steve Peschong Family for funding this scholarship endowment!

Congratulations to this year's Annual John Paul II PTO Scholarship Award winner, Julie Knight! Julie is the daughter of John and Sally Knight. Her future plans are to attend Black Hills State University to major in Elementary Education and double minor in Coaching and Spanish. Best of Luck Julie! ~ Thanks to the John Paul II PTO for funding this scholarship endowment!

Congratulations to all of our John Paul II School 6th Grade Graduates, as well as all of our Catholic alumni high school and college graduates! May God bless you as you continue on your journey! We will continue to pray for you and hope you will pray for us as well!

John Paul II School held Sixth Grade Graduation on Thursday, May 21, 2015 in Holy Spirit Church. Following Mass and awards, the MFCE hosted the graduates and their families at a banquet in the church gathering space.

Some of our youngest graduates line up for John Paul II Preschool graduation.

Mitchell Foundation for Catholic Education 13th Annual Golf Scramble & Development Dinner Major Sponsors:

Avera

Muth Electric

Paul & Deb Muth

BankWest, John Paul II PTO, Knights of Columbus-Maher Council , Krall Eye Clinic, Tessiers Inc. Bruce Signs, Culvers of Mitchell, OL Busmuss Construction Inc., Puetz Corp., Gene & Jackie Kessler

Golf Scramble Team Sponsors: A&B Business Solutions Knights of Columbus Avera Knights of Columbus Insurance- Tom Bechen BankWest Krall Eye Clinic Barefoot Resort/ MVM Properties Midwest Grain & Marketing CorTrust Bank Muth Electric Culver's OL Busmuss Construction Inc Dakota Physical Therapy Paulson Air Dakota Pump Puetz Corporation First Dakota National Bank Ryan Krome First National Bank SD Sabers Family GF Advertising Services Sabers Victory & V Twin Highland Conference Center Sungold Sports Home Federal Bank Tessier's Iverson Chrysler Tim McEntee JCL Solutions TriM Tunes John Paul II PTO Wells Fargo Bank

Golf Scramble Hole Sponsors A & G Diesel Beukelman Insurance Carlon and Millar, Prof. LLC Central Electric Chad & Robin Cahoy Chiropractic Center for Healthy Living Comfort Inn Crane Realty: Janet Fritzemeier Dale and Ruth Thomas Day's Inn Design Interiors, Inc. Dice Financial ELO, Prof LLC Fulton State Bank Great Plains Dental GT Body Innovative Systems Jack's Campers KMIT/KOOL98 Krohmer Plumbing Loren and Julie VanOverschelde Meyer's Oil Company Miedema Sanitation Mitchell Plumbing Morgan Theeler Northwestern Mutual: Mike Mohr Patzer Woodworking Plastow and Associates Quality Wood Designs Radke Construction State Farm Insurance: Becky Moore TK Electric Wenzel Insurance Banquet : Live Auction Donors: Auctioneer: Ralph Kiner/Mitchell Realty Barefoot Resort/ MVM Properties Black Hills Off Road Rental Chris Miller County Fair Food Stores Dan & Jackie Sabers Gene & Jackie Kessler Henry Doorly Zoo Jerry Carey Travel Jim Wagner John & Linda McLeod John Paul II School families Lazy H Ranch - Eric & Carol Hanks McCook Country Club Paul & Deb Muth Performance Pet Products Reggio Imports Ron Peterson Sioux Falls Skyforce Sunset World Vacations Twisted Wire Design- Allison Russell Wright Brothers Aviation

Adorn Boutique Advanced Auto Parts Alignment Xperts Amazon AmericInn of Ft. Pierre Anderson Kennels Anytime Fitness Arby's Arnies First and Foster Al's Engraving Auto Body Specialists Ben Franklin Crafts Betty McNeil Big E Auto Bittner Funeral Chapel Blarney's Sports Bar & Grill Bonnie's DeKor Bauer Dental Clinic: Brad Bauer Brown & Saenger Bunny Koester Cabelas Casey's Catholic Daughters: Court Margaret Mary Catholic United Financial: Jay Fritzemeier Chef Louies Christine Lemmer Chucks Paint & Blinds Corn Palace Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo Corona Village Crazy About Cupcakes Curves of Mitchell Custom Plus Collision Center Dailey Dental Dale's A-1 Transmission Davison County Implement Davison County Pork Producers Daylight Donuts Dental Designs Dicks Body Shop Dominos Don & Barb Young DWU

Golf Scramble: Hole in One Sponsor PaulsonAirHeating & Cooling Golf Scramble: Exclusive Hole Sponsors

Putting Contest Sponsor Will Funeral Chapel Golf Cart Sponsor: Sanford Golf Scramble: Pizza on the Patio Sponsor

Pizza Ranch - Craig & Cyra Stucky *We apologize in advance if we have inadvertently forgot to list a sponsor! * Please help us to thank these sponsors by patronizing their businesses!

Our Many Other Wonderful Donors: Fr. Michael Schneider Fred & Joan DeRouchey Gene and Jeanne Vold Graham Mobil Graham Tire Grand Falls Casino & Resort Hampton Inn & Suites Hard Drive Dentral Hardee's Hohn's Carpet Cleaning Holiday Inn Express Jacque Schumacher James Valley Nursery Joe & Julie Krall John & Darlene Lauer John Paul II School Families Kathy Northrup Kay Schoenfelder Kelly Smith & Joan Richardson Kenny & MaryJo Wittstruck Kim Mohr Kris Schochenmaier Lakeview Golf Course Leroy Schneider Linda McEntee Photography Little Duke's Bottle Shop Logan Luxury Theatre Mark & Jodi Wilson MaryAnn Blindauer McCook Country Club McLeod's Printing Melvin & Arlene Simek Mike & Michelle Ommen Mike & Renee LeBrun Minnesota Twins Minnesota Vikings Mitchell Area Community Theatre Mitchell Chiropractic Mitchell Telecom Montgomery Furniture Mueller Lumber Norm & Lisa Neugebauer Olson Farms: Gary & Karla Olson

Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern SD

Studelska Chiropractic & Acupuncture

SAVE THE DATE for next year events! 1st Annual Bids for Kids Friday, May 6, 2016 Highland Conference Center NEW! Joint auction event for JPII PTO & MFCE 14th Annual MFCE Golf Scramble Friday, June 11, 2016 Lakeview Golf Course

Oriental Trading Papa Murphys Perfect Touch Auto Detailing Photography Unlimited Porter Apple Company Prestige:Melissa Womstadt PriMerica Financial Services: Mick Baruth ProBuild Quiznos Ramada Inn Reg & Deb Young Ron's Bike Shop Ruby Tuesday S & M Printing Scheel's Scoreboard Bar & Grill Scott & Nicole Fuhrer SD Magazine Sertoma Butterfly Garden Shafer Memorials Sherwin Williams Studelska Chiropractic Subway Taco Johns The City Hair and Day Spa The Hair Depot: Tracy Franks The Little Red Hen The Pioneer Woman/The Food Network The Tumbleweed Third Avenue Salon & Spa Thunes Hardware Tickled Pink Tractor Supply Company Uncle Zekes Val Remund Village Bowling Center Vince & Brenda Boddicker Whiskey Creek Wild Water West Wills Funeral Chapel Woelfel Jewelry Zens Hereford Zesto Banquet: Dice Roll Sponsor Pizza Ranch - Craig & Cyra Stucky

Congratulations to this year's Golf Scramble Championship Flight, First Place Team Highland Conference Center!

Banquet: Table Sponsors Catholic United Financial local council LeBruns/Wilsons Holy Spirit Church

THANK You to our Guest Speaker: Julie Knight 2015 John Paul II PTO Scholarship Winner

PLEDGE FORM

1510 West Elm Mitchell SD 57301

Provident God, pour out your blessings on our friends and benefactors. Their goodness has encouraged us; their gifts have enhanced our efforts to recreate your merciful presence in our world. In gratitude, we ask you to reward them with signs of your generous love and when their lives are over to welcome them to your heavenly banquet. Amen.

MFCE General Endowment - 90% to JPII & 10% to FF Boehnen Family Endowment for John Paul II School Brock and Carol Millan Endowment for John Paul II School Byorth Family Endowment for John Paul II School Carney and Maggie Nelson Memorial Endowment for Holy Spirit Church Carney and Maggie Nelson Memorial Endowment for John Paul II School *Casey Family Endowment for John Paul II School Chuck and Lois Paulson Family Endowment for MFCE Dennis and Diane Padrnos Family Endowment for John Paul II School *Diann Simon Memorial Endowment for John Paul II School Don and Barb Young Family Endowment for Faith Formation Don and Jean Culhane Family Endowment for John Paul II School Donald and Clinton Roster Endowment for MFCE Dr. Leon and Rosemary Peschong Endowment for John Paul II School Fred and Joan DeRouchey Family Endowment for John Paul II School *George and Laverne Carey Family Endowment for John Paul II School Jack and Margaret Young Family Endowment for MFCE Jerry and Jeanette Gebel Family Endowment for John Paul II School John Paul II PTO Alumni Scholarship Endowment John Paul II School Music Endowment *Letcher Children's Endowment Fund for John Paul II School Marilyn Peschong Memorial Scholarship Endowment Marley and Marianne Scheid Memorial Endowment for John Paul II School MFCE Religious Vocation Scholarship Endowment *Roller/Bailey Family Endowment for John Paul II School Steve and Bunny Koester Endowment for John Paul II School *Volk Family Endowment for John Paul II School *William and Ann Walsh Family Endowment for John Paul II School MFCE ANNUAL FUND Gifts of any amount are always appreciated. Your contributions DRIVE allow us to continue supporting our mission for Catholic Education! NAMED ENDOWMENT FUNDS

JOHN PAUL II SCHOOL FAITH FORMATION PRAYERFUL SUPPORT

Contributions to support the greatest needs of John Paul II School.

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Contributions to support the greatest needs of the Faith Formation Programs of Holy Family and Holy Spirit Parishes. We realize that monetary contributions are not always possible, so we ask for your prayerful support for the success of our mission.

$ $

PRICELESS

TOTAL $ Name (please print) Address City, State, Zip Email Address

Phone #

In Memory/Honor of Card #

Exp. Date

Signature

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Your generous gift is tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. The Mitchell Foundation for Catholic Education is a 501c3 nonprofit , and did not provide any goods or services in consideration, in whole or in part, for this contribution. Tax ID # 46-0425377 THANK YOU for your support!

* Endowments are established directly through John Paul II School, and are not included in the net assets of the MFCE.

1510 West Elm Mitchell SD 57301

605-999-9127 www.mitchellfce.com Go Green! Would you like to receive an electronic version of this newsletter? Please email Nicole at: [email protected]

Ready to start making some charitable giving plans for your estate? Have you considered including the MFCE in your estate planning? Would you like to support John Paul II School, Faith Formation or either parish; and be assured your gifts are used according to your wishes? Contact Nicole Fuhrer in the Development office. My ministry is to help you create a lasting legacy for you or your loved ones. Did you know you could use a life insurance policy as a charitable gift, while gaining tax benefits? The MFCE has recently become the owner of a life insurance policy purchased by a generous couple through Tom Bechen, an Knights of Columbus field representative. Because the couple transferred the ownership of the policy to the MFCE (a registered non-profit agency) the premiums the couple pay become tax-deferred, and the death benefit exceeds the donation value. This couple has also established an endowment with the MFCE, so that they know the money we receive from the policy will be used according to their wishes. An easy way to make your policy charitable is to update the beneficiary on any current life insurance policy, and even consider changing the ownership of the policy to the MFCE. If you are paying premiums, they may become tax deductible. Visit with your insurance or tax professional to see if this is a good option for you! Thank you and God bless you!