Some People Are Worth Melting For

In my last post, I wrote some about my work as the Director of Advancement at St. Mark's. Today, I remember why I do it. 

We had Fr. William Miller, the pastor of the Heart of Peoria parishes, (the Cathedral, Sacred Heart, St. Bernard's, St. Joseph's) for a visit to the school. 

Fr. William Miller, Pastor Msgr. Brian Brownsey, Principal Dr. Noreen Dillon

At one time, there were seven Catholic grade schools that covered the territory of these parishes. Now, there is just St. Mark's and we consider ourselves the school for this parishes. Plus, more than a quarter of our students, most of them Hispanic, come from the Cathedral. 

As part of Fr. Miller's visit, we gave him a tour of the school. 

Seeing the students and the teachers, even in these COVID-restricted times, is such a boost. 

The vitality of the students comes beaming out of them, not stopped by the masks. 

Some of the teachers were interacting with their students both in the classroom an online. 

Being around the kids really puts a hop in Msgr.'s step, too. 

The children were so well-behaved in all of the classrooms. 

Each one seemed like a productive, loving, little community. 

I'm sure each classroom has its challenges, but the school is a positive, hopeful place where good things are happening. 

As we walked around the school, I loved seeing all the tradition.

Fr. Miller listens as Msgr. Brownsey talks about the statue of Mary and Jesus that Archbishop Fulton Sheen gave to St. Mark's. 


Dr. Noreen Dillon, Msgr. Brownsey, Father Miller below a replica of the Crucifixion from the Cathedral.


Love seeing the progress, also. Some of the new tablets we recently bought, necessary in these days of remote learning.


Witnessing the love and learning inspires me to keep working on behalf of the students, teachers and staff, families, and school.

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