Rene Gavic was a 22-year-old newlywed when Rich Barbeau hired her to be the head track coach for Visitation School in Mendota Heights. Over the years she assumed many other positions: math teacher, Upper School dean of students, Upper School director, head of school. She is now 59, a grandma of three and retiring to care for her husband who has Alzheimer’s.
Beekeeper Kyle Hagberg spent time on a hot afternoon June 21 checking on hives in a section of Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, part of an initiative by The Catholic Cemeteries to implement principles found in Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.”
A 1998 graduate of St. Thomas Academy — who, for the last three years, has led Edina-based Catholic Schools Center of Excellence — has been named president of the all-male Mendota Heights school, effective July 1.
Two recent graduates of St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights — and members of their families — have filed civil lawsuits against the school, alleging they were harmed by the school’s culture and student misconduct.
A scavenger hunt designed as a fun and interesting way to learn more about cemeteries and ways people honor their loved ones is underway through Aug. 31 at Mendota Heights-based Catholic Cemeteries’ five cemeteries in the Twin Cities.
Kelby Woodard became headmaster at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights last summer. He and his wife, Donna, who are parents of five (ages 9 to 24), now live a half-mile from the school. He reflected on the range of experiences that prepared him for this role, including serving two terms in the Minnesota State Legislature from 2011-2014, representing Le Sueur, Rice and Scott counties.
Emotional shockwaves from the massive Aug. 4 explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, are being felt among parishioners of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ two Maronite Catholic churches.
Going to Rome and joining 3,500 other students for a global summit on ways to make the world a better place were just two exciting things that happened last month for sixth-grader Claire Macedo.
Then there was Pope Francis’ address to the group at the end of the Nov. 27-30 Design for Change: Children’s Global Summit.
Natural burial or “green burial” takes different variations, but aims to unite the body with the earth using little if any fossil fuel or non-biodegradable materials.
The Catholic Spirit is highlighting three students who credit their Catholic education with providing opportunities to help them learn about the world, serve others and grow in their faith.
“I’ve been very grateful that I was raised in a faith-filled community, because it’s been really helpful to have my faith to turn back to. Many times when I’ve wondered why this is happening to me, I’ve always been able to turn to God, to know he has a plan and is looking over me,” Daniewicz said.
