By Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Schools – Catholic Diocese of Salina
As the final bell has rung and our Catholic schools across the Diocese of Salina transition into summer, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on a year filled with growth, mission, and unmistakable grace. Now completing my fifth school year as Superintendent of Schools, I continue to be inspired by the students, teachers, school leaders, families, and parishioners who make our school communities so special.
Throughout this school year, we’ve lived our diocesan mission—Together, Let Us Be Disciples of Jesus on Mission—with purpose and passion. In every classroom and community, students have embraced their faith, pursued excellence, and grown in character. Our Catholic schools are places where faith and reason come together daily—and what a joy it has been to witness that this year.
A Year of Service and Generosity
Our students and schools demonstrated Christ’s love in action through service. We partnered with Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas in a diaper drive and raised over $5,000 in the Baby Bottle Campaign to support life-affirming programs. Locally, each school answered the call to serve—hosting food drives, helping neighbors, writing cards to the elderly, and giving generously of their time and talents.
A Mission of Mental Health and Wellness
We continued our commitment to student well-being by establishing mental health partnerships in seven of our schools, utilizing the Mental Health Intervention Team (MHIT) program through KDADS. This initiative has been a game-changer in addressing students’ needs, and we’re thrilled to announce plans to expand these services to all 15 schools in the diocese next school year.
A Living Faith: Reflections from Our Seniors
This year’s seniors offered powerful testimony about the impact of their Catholic education. Many spoke of the ability to pray freely, attend Mass weekly, and experience a deepening of faith side-by-side with close friends. One senior wrote, “The opportunity to attend Mass, have access to adoration, and pray daily all at school…not many people have that opportunity.” Others shared how their teachers challenged them to pursue both academic excellence and virtue, describing a deep sense of community and formation of lifelong friendships.
Whether it was through leading school liturgies, serving as sacristans, helping plan retreats, or simply praying before lunch each day, our students experienced how faith is not just taught—it’s lived.
Growth Across the Diocese
From renovations to new programs, our schools are growing:
- St. Andrew’s in Abilene opened new classroom spaces, renovated the kitchen, and updated bathrooms.
- St. John’s in Hanover is in the midst of a renovation and expansion of their beloved church.
- Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High School in Salina launched a successful capital campaign, completing Phase 1 with a new chapel at the front of the school. Next year will see a new band room and continued work on a new fitness facility.
- Love ‘N’ Learn Early Childhood Center was fully renovated to provide an exceptional environment for our youngest learners.
- Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP-M) in Hays broke ground on a Creative Learning Building that will offer hands-on, interdisciplinary experiences for students.
- St. Mary’s in Ellis now features a new walking trail, adding beauty and health to the school environment.
- Tipton Catholic students will soon benefit from a new community building that will enhance educational and extracurricular opportunities.
- We are encouraged by the faithful and forward-thinking efforts taking shape in Plainville and Junction City, where parish and school leaders are working together to help their Catholic schools thrive.
- A few schools have implemented Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and are already seeing fruits.
Religious Life in Our Schools
The IHM Sisters completed their second year of joyful teaching in the Hays Catholic Schools. We look forward with great excitement to welcoming the Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln next school year, as they begin ministry at St. John’s in Beloit.
Forming Disciples Beyond the Classroom
This year included memorable learning adventures—whether a class field trip to a local museum, a mission trip to Denver to serve alongside families, or high school students making a pilgrimage to Pilsen, Kansas, to visit the museum and home church of Venerable Emil Kapaun. Other students traveled to St. John Vianney Seminary and the Mother Cabrini Shrine in Colorado, witnessing firsthand the beauty of faith lived out in religious life and service. A few lucky students even made the evening news during the papal conclave when Pope Leo XIV was announced —a lively and educational moment that brought Church tradition to life!
In November, seniors from St. John’s in Beloit traveled to Rome to serve the poor. While they were there, they had the incredible opportunity to meet Pope Francis and share a special moment they will remember forever.
And in just a couple weeks, 15 students, along with their parents, Fr. Jarrett Konrade, Fr. Brian McCaffrey, and myself, will make a pilgrimage to Italy, with stops in Naples, Assisi, and Rome. Please keep us in your prayers as we walk in the footsteps of saints and deepen our call to discipleship.
Academic Excellence
Our Catholic schools continue to perform strongly when compared to outcomes on the Kansas State Assessments, Iowa Assessments, and the ACT. These results are a testament to the commitment of our dedicated teachers and the support of families who set high expectations and work in partnership to help students reach their full potential.
Scholarship Granting Organization: A Blessing to Many
We are also incredibly grateful for the Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) for the Salina Diocese. This year, the SGO provided over $137,000 in scholarships, assisting 102 families with the cost of Catholic education. Donors to this program receive a 75% Kansas State Tax Credit, making it a win-win for generosity and stewardship. To learn more, contact Heather Hartman at [email protected].
A Million Memorares: A Jubilee Year of Hope
During this Jubilee Year of Hope, Bishop Vincke has invited all of us across the Diocese of Salina to join in a powerful spiritual mission: to pray A Million Memorares. Our Catholic school students have met the challenge with reverence and enthusiasm, offering thousands of Memorares in their classrooms—prayers for vocations, for peace in our homes and schools, and for hope in our world.
We invite you—our families, parishioners, alumni, and friends—to join in this diocesan-wide act of faith. When we pray together, we grow together in hope.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;
to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Follow the Mission Year-Round
As we head into summer, I encourage you to stay connected and inspired by following our Salina Diocese Catholic Schools Facebook page. You’ll find stories of faith, updates from our schools, and reminders of why Catholic education matters so deeply.
Thank you for your prayers, support, and belief in Catholic education. May your summer be filled with joy, rest, and renewal as we continue to be disciples on mission—together.