Dear Parishioners,

KEEPING THE FAITH has created a cooperation between five area parishes: IHM, Saint Joe’s, Holy Family, Saint Eugene’s, and Our Lady of Victory. There is an agreement that the two parish schools in this five-parish partnership would develop a school advisory council.

The parishes recognize that each pastor represents his parish in all “juridic affairs,” which includes all matters pertaining to the administration of his parish under both Church and civil law. To assist the pastor in the oversight of the Catholic school, each school will establish a School Advisory Council, which shall be not greater in number than 11 members consisting of the following:  (a) the School parish pastor; (b) the School principal; (c) at least two parents of children attending the school; (d) at least two parishioners who are not parents of children currently attending the school; and (e) a non-parishioner with experience in education to be appointed by the School parish pastor.

The School Advisory Committee shall be responsible for serving as a forum for discussion and discernment and advising the Pastor and Principal on the following types of matters:

• The school’s mission and vision
• Enhancement of the school’s Catholic ethos and culture
• Identifying areas of improvement
• Enrollment and retention strategy
• Curriculum selection and course of study
• School policies and procedures
• The partnership and participation of the school, parish, and wider community in the life of the school and participating parishes
• Fundraising and development efforts
• Advising where requested on strategic planning for the school.
• The School Advisory Committee is not intended to advise concerning personnel matters or matters involving student discipline and is not a decision-making authority.

This new development will be implemented for the school year 2025-2026.

Many blessings,

Father Jim