Advancement Board

“Love follows knowledge.” —St. Thomas Aquinas

Students who receive a Catholic education are better equipped to persevere through life’s challenges. It is within the Catholic school environment that students are nurtured to become successful in navigating these challenges while simultaneously fulfilling the Church’s mission to bring a passion to their Catholic faith and freely sharing it with others.

We are soon launching our 2022–2023 Annual Appeal to support the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School endowment fund. There are three endowments: Tuition Assistance, Teachers' Supplemental Income, and Capital Improvements. This year’s funds will be used to ensure the longevity of our Teachers’ Supplemental Income Plan. Our goal is to raise $120,000. Thanks to supporters like you, we believe it’s possible. Will you help us?

Great teachers are key in keeping our Catholic schools prevalent in our communities and a viable option for Preschool through 8th-grade education for families. We invite you to rally around our Saints Peter and Paul teachers to safeguard the SSPP Teachers’ Endowment Fund and honor our teachers for their dedication to the faithful work they do each day.

What is the Teachers’ Supplemental Income Plan?
The annual compensation of our teachers is set by the Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Office. There is a
significant gap in pay between our teachers’ diocesan Catholic school salaries and those of the local school
district. Our Teachers’ Endowment allows us to decrease this gap with a bonus based on their individual years of experience and education level. To illustrate, we are able to reduce the gap by approximately 8% for first-year teachers (bachelor's level education).

How does it impact our students now?
Funds raised through the Annual Appeal affords Saints Peter and Paul the ability to retain high-caliber teaching
staff and provide our students a rigorous faith-based education with personalized support.

Please prayerfully consider your ability to make a tax-deductible gift to this worthy cause today. 
Thank you for supporting our parish school.  
LETTERFLYERDONATE NOW

Register today for the annual Golf Outing! 

Click HERE to register.

Mrs. Tricia (Riedy) Weis inducts Pat Burson into the Saints Peter and Paul Hall of Honors ~ 2023

It is an incredible honor to stand here before Pat Burson, her loved ones, her family, many dear friends, students, current colleagues, and former colleagues.  It is no easy task, to describe and give honor to someone who has dedicated so much time, energy, hard work, perseverance, and heart for one community and numerous students, parents, staff members and parish staff members.  Pat, you have built relationships that have left an incredible legacy, spreading love, pure and simple JOY to every heart you have touched.  This tribute encompasses the sentiments of an ocean of people who sincerely LOVE you. Being inducted into the HALL OF HONORS is quite an honor in itself . . . however even this honor is not enough for a woman of deep faith, incredible GRIT, a never-ending smile that lights a room, an abundance of detailed work, and countless effort to support others through your work as school secretary and advancement board administrator. Many of your friends and people who know you have offered beautiful words of praise, while others have been asked to pray for you. Pat, thank for the incredible work you have done for the Saints Peter and Paul community! On this beautiful Spring Day, we want to shower you with admiration and gratitude, as we induct you into the Saints Peter and Paul Hall of Honors. 
 
Patricia Burson worked as school secretary for 32 years, working alongside her near and dear friend and professional partner, Frank Glowaty. To say they were a vibrant duo does not give justice to the work they accomplished together, for so many years, and for such a great cause.  It is the work of the heart to teach and empower children in a school setting to be the very best they can be, every day and in countless ways.  It takes TIME, PATIENCE, an OPEN HEART and so much more, to ensure that those you lead and work with feel valued and heard.  Pat is exceptional at this.  Not to mention her commitment and love for supporting Frank in his many roles.
 
I’ve heard Pat say, “Frank was hard to keep up with, his mind was always going…… I was always chasing or changing one of his new ideas.”  As the saying goes, behind every good man there is an incredible woman.  So too, behind every great principal, is an incredible school secretary.  Pat did it all, with a smile on her face, and joy in her heart. Why? Because she loved her work, and she really loved the kids. Pat humbly takes no credit, gratefully expressing, “Oh you don’t understand, this place saved me, Saints Peter and Paul gave me purpose and meaning. It is I that received the GIFT.”
 
One of Pat’s closest friends and colleagues shared, “While Pat ran the office, she was the face of the school, always warm and welcoming to everyone who entered.” She made sure everything ran smoothly and would do whatever it took even if that meant coming in early or staying late. Those that worked alongside Pat in the office speak highly of her professionalism, and the teachers who worked with her knew they always had her support.  Why?  Because Pat loved her work, who she worked with, and she loved the kids. Pat was not only a friend and colleague, but she was a mother to every student who walked through the front school office doors. Pat was there, on the spot, ensuring it all HAPPENED as great secretaries do.  When asked, “What do you remember about Pat Burson?” The most common answer was a kind heart, a kindred spirit, and my personal description, a fountain of love that spills over and over. It goes without saying that Pat Burson is one of the most energetic, fun, and lovely people that one will ever meet.
 
After 32 years in the school office, Pat worked with Frank supporting the Advancement office, and still does!  Besides being a master at Constant Contact, Results Plus, and other computer systems that Pat has figured out and managed with ease….she created birthday cards, anniversary cards, stuffed and mailed thousands of envelopes, finalized newsletters for Frank, basically ran many golf outings ensuring the details and final touches were accomplished, doing so with a team mentality as things inevitably, got dumped on her desk last minute.

Several times Pat has come to me or Fr. Brad, in all seriousness, saying to us, “Let me know when my time is up, you guys must be getting tired of me….” In which we replied. “We will never let you go Pat, you are too valuable, we don’t have your brains or the knowledge behind what you do, to be able to move forward without you.”  Her humble reply, “OK, I will stay, I love what I do, until you no longer need me. But promise me you will never let me overstay my welcome.”  And so it goes, we are blessed that Pat is still here, remaining steadfast to the church and school no matter who she has reported to. It never mattered to Pat, as she kept focused on the tasks at hand, daily work, and long-term vision of our entire community. I speak for the whole AB team when I say, we are not sure what we would have done without Pat Burson in the advancement office these last two years.”  In the last two years the Advancement Board has been able to fully appreciate her incredible work and knowledge.  She has gone above and beyond since Frank’s retirement, to ensure everything runs seamlessly. Pat doesn’t quit until the job gets done. Pat’s influence has kept us all moving forward.

A SSPP longtime office side kick shares, “Everyone who is acquainted with Pat Burson knows she is a very special person. She is a devoted mother, a dedicated employee, a prayerful person, a good neighbor, and probably the best friend a person could have. When Kathy Lesnik was hired as the assistant secretary at SSPP, she shares that she was grateful to have the kindest, most patient mentor anyone could ever have.
 
To know Pat is to know her children and grandchildren. Pat’s two children Amy and Doug and Pat’s two grandchildren, Anna and Dougie.  Collectively, they are the apple of her eye.  Rain or shine, no matter the distance, Pat attended their sporting events and/ or school activities at every chance she could. She taught her children to be kind and to be friends with everyone, and they were just that, as Pat has modeled kindness and care to everyone she meets. An individual’s behavior does not determine Pat’s response, she loves unconditionally, just as Jesus calls us to do.
 
On behalf of the entire Saints Peter and Paul community we want to express our deepest gratitude for her incredible loyalty and love, as you accept this Hall of Fame Honor. 
 
Often, as humans and children of God, we go from day to day, not realizing the impact we have on others. Pat, we are ALL blessed to know one of the richest women around, whose beautiful heart has profoundly impacted the people of Saints Peter and Paul.

May 18, 2023

Fr. Brad Inducts Frank Glowaty into the Saints Peter and Paul Grade School Hall of Honors ~ 2022

In 2014, after serving for thirty‐nine years as Principal at Saints Peter and Paul School, Frank Glowaty retired. As you are well aware, in the 2019‐20 school year, in a critical one in the life of our grade school, Mr. Glowaty graciously returned as Interim Principal making his tenure as Principal a perfect forty years.

For the past seven years, Frank has continued to serve our school in a part time capacity as Advancement Director. This June, following forty‐six years of dedicated service to our grade school community, Mr. Glowaty will retire from his part time role as Advancement Director.

Mr. Glowaty communicated to me that he was very well celebrated and honored when he retired from the grade school as Principal seven years ago. At this time, he told me that he just wanted to turn in his keys and walk into the sunset. Well, I have to respect Frank’s wishes, but not without extending to Frank an honor that is long overdue.

During Frank’s tenure at our school, he established our school’s Hall of Honors to recognize individuals who have done extraordinary service on behalf of our school. Well, I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of such an honor. During Frank’s leadership as Principal, our school experienced the pinnacle of its enrollment and achieved the distinction of being awarded Blue Ribbon School status in 2012. Mr. Glowaty was also the primary mover behind the establishment of our grade school’s three endowment funds, which will continue to serve generations of teachers and students for years to come.

Mr. Glowaty will forever by synonymous with the tradition of spiritual and academic excellence that is Saints Peter and Paul School. And it is my honor to induct Mr. Glowaty into our school’s Hall of Honors in recognition of his forty‐six years of vision, service, and leadership to Saints Peter and Paul School.

IN NOMINE MEO AWARD NOMINATIONS SOUGHT

Each spring Saints Peter & Paul School recognizes former school parents who made an immeasurable impact on our school during the years their children were students. Through their ongoing volunteer efforts, these parents displayed leadership, dedication, and service to our school.  Because of their efforts, our school and children benefited greatly.

The In Nomine Meo award is named in honor of Harold and Margaret Moser who left the school a major bequest as part of their ongoing commitment to helping Saints Peter & Paul School maintain a quality faith-filled education to our parish children.

IN NOMINE MEO NOMINATING FORM

IN NOMINE MEO AWARD PREVIOUS HONOREES

1 Peter 4:10. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

Matthew 25:23 “His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!

Kristen Lesters is a 1990 SSPP graduate. Justin, her esteemed husband, and current athletic director was the first person that stopped by my office the summer I arrived as principal, with a huge smile on his face, offering support, and encouragement. Both Justin and Kris are very equally yoked. How beautiful it is to witness a couple who so clearly understand the importance of a life focused on others, bringing joy and peace to a situation, all while striving for heaven. What incredible and faithful role models Justin and Kris have been for their children, in many varied ways. 
 
Ryan- graduated in 2017 Emily and Lauren (friends to everyone) graduated in 2022.  I smiled when learning that Kris’s family has experienced three generations as American Legion Award recipients at SSPP.

Ryan Busche, Kristin Lesters, and Francis Lesters (maternal grandfather) exemplifies the a few of the words used for this ALA: “WILLING TO GIVE ONE'S TIME TO PROMOTE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE SCHOOL, PARISH, AND COMMUNITY.  DOES NOT HAVE TO BE COERCED INTO VOLUNTEERING."  Kris has carried that beyond her SSPP graduation, and other noteworthy attributes throughout her adulthood.

What do community members say about Justin . . .  He is organized, listens to parents but does what he knows is best for students, SSPP athletic programs, and the overall good of the school.   Justin has also been described as genuine and approachable.  He is a strong but fair leader, and incredibly kind.  Justin is lector at Mass and dedicates himself outside of SSPP as an educator in the Chicago public schools. It is easy to recognize Justin’s heart for students, education, and instilling good ethical morals into the hearts of future generations. He has never wavered in his support and work since I met Justin three years ago.

Kris, an alum, has previously presented at career days, was a room parent, led Christmas service projects, fun fair, and when SSPP ceased their Battle of the Books program, she organized a junior high version to help students continue to engage in the love of reading. 

Together, Kris and Justin are committed to Catholic Education, (can still be viewed on our website boating of our wonderful community) but they do not stop at serving the school and equally work to serve their parish, as they realize the fulfillment and great need to bring others humbly to Jesus in a deep and personal way. Yes, they are extremely deserving of this prestigious award.  After it was announced to our community of the 2023 Good and Faithful recipients, Fr. Brad and I heard over and over comments such as……” Love it, they are so deserving.” “Great choice!”  “Yes!”  among many other comments of praise.  

Today, we thank our Lord and celebrate Justin and Kristen Busche, who have truly used the gifts and talents that God has given them, to serve His holy Church in faith, kindness, and goodness. Not only do they possess the gifts of friendship, leadership, faithfulness, and service, but they freely share all of this with others, without expecting anything in return.  This trait embodies a true servant of Christ.

The Busche team have generously given the Parish and the school the gift of their time, their wisdom as school board members, athletic boards, coaches, room parents, Auction Committees, Fun Fair Chairs, volunteers for field trips, chaperones for service projects. They were the first couple to step up to chair the First Annual Parish Picnic (for two years) and countless other events throughout the last 15 -20 years. 

We as a community have been blessed at Saints Peter and Paul parish and school, as this beautiful married couple united in faith, have shown us what living saints look like. Saints are people who are genuinely grateful for what God has given them, that they can't help but give back generously.   Justin and Kris have done this over and over.  God bless the Busche Family!  Thank you, Justin and Kris, for inspiring us all, for being Christian stewards of time, talent, and of your treasure.  

In a world caught up in titles, materialism, pride, and prestige, …. the Busche’s have shown us what a life focused on Jesus, others, and REAL JOY (Kristin’s email address) is all about.  

Fr. Brad and I are honored to present to you and to say to you: “Well done, good and faithful servants!”

Announced by Mrs. Tricia Weis

Mike Simmons Good and Faithful Servant Award Previous Honorees

2012 – Dave Fox
2013 –  Linda Griffith
2014 –  Shelly Jaros
2015 –  Jenny Knapp
2016 –  Denise Petty & John Scanlon
2017 – Jana Kubacki
2018 –  Brad Drendel
2019 - Kim McMahon
2021 -  Tobias Schlueter
2023- Kris and Justin Busche
 

JEANNETTE GEHRS ‘89 

2021 NCEA DISTINGUISHED  GRADUATE

If you had to guess what kind of costume Jeannette DiGiovine Gehrs ’89 would be likely to wear on Halloween, you would be pretty accurate if you suggested the Energizer Bunny.

A dynamic individual, Jeannette has served our school community so faithfully and with such excellence over the years that she has been selected as the recipient of this year’s National Catholic Education Association’s Distinguished Graduate Award.

This annual honor, which has been a fixture since 1995, was bestowed upon Gehrs during the school 1:00 p.m. school Mass on Friday, April 16.

The mother of 4 alums, (David ’11, Daniel ’14, Isabella ’16, and Samuel ’20), she shows no signs of limiting her volunteering with Francesca (Gr.8), Carmen (Gr. 6), and Joseph (K) still in school.

When her oldest children were still in school, she helped out with the annual Auction by chairing Class Projects.  She was also a room mother and, since running was one of her passions, she began coaching cross country and track and continues to do so 8 years later. In 2018 she initiated the Mighty Trojans Run Club for our K-4 students who are ineligible to compete in interscholastic sports.

Prior to the 17-18 school year, Jeannette was elected Vice-President of the Home and School Association with the knowledge she would ascend to the Presidency the following year as that body’s Constitution stipulates. Because of the demands and responsibilities of the position, the term of both President and Vice-President are for only one year. However, circumstances led Fr. Brad to ask Jeannette to remain at the helm for two additional years. She, thus, has the distinction of working with three different principals----Karen Meskill, Frank Glowaty, and our current school leader, Tricia Weis.

“Jeanette's beautiful spirit, dedication, and humble leadership has truly made a difference at SSPP. I had great confidence knowing she was at the helm for HSA during my first year," noted the 1983 grad.

During the 2019-20 year, the inability to find an Auction chair meant the fundraiser fell to the parent organization. Jeannette readily pitched in not knowing what fate had in store for the Caddyshack themed event. One day prior to 350 parents gathering at Arrowhead Country Club to raise money for our school, the pandemic closed much of our society in turn causing Jeannette and her team to pivot away from an in-person fundraiser to a virtual one.

Rather than bemoan this predicament, she and her committee embraced it, worked tirelessly over the next 24 hours, and were still able to raise considerable money for her alma mater. “Our parents responded so enthusiastically in large fashion because of Jeannette,” noted Glowaty. “They knew how hard she had worked on the school’s behalf and wanted to support her efforts.” That virtual auction netted $113,500.

A restructuring of the four Leadership Boards last year also led to the Presidents of the Home & School, Advancement Board, and Athletic Association being appointed to a term on the School Board as voting members. Among Jeannette's newest responsibilities was helping the Board develop a new Strategic Plan for our school which included 35 impact action items.

With the Home and School committed to providing $85,000 to the school’s operational budget this year, and with the continued limitations on gatherings, Jeannette and her H&S officers again adjusted accordingly.

This fall saw the first-ever Trojan Stampede, a fun run, that netted $60,000. A mum sale brought in an additional $10,000, and another new offering, the Trojan Rally resulted in over $95,000 in profits. Besides meeting their financial obligation to the school, Jeannette and her Board approved allocating $39,000 toward the creation of a new Guided Reading Room and $10,000 to our new Pre-School which opens in August. This is on top of $10,000 they presented to Mrs. Weis last summer for various summer projects.

Lastly, Jeannette has also served the Naperville community with distinction. Years ago she was appointed my Mayor Pradel to the Transportation Advisory Board for which she served six years. She was also a member of the Bike Pedestrian Council. During her four years of service, BPAC expanded the DuPage River Trail from Cress Creek to Bolingbrook.

In recognition for her service to our school and Naperville community, we are proud to present the prestigious NCEA Distinguished Graduate Award to Jeannette Gehrs.
 

NCEA Distinguished Graduate Award Previous Honorees

Each year, during Catholic Schools Week, we recognize one of our successful alums by presenting the National Catholic Education Association’s Distinguished Graduate Award.

Previous inductees include:

2021     Jeannette DiGiovine Gehrs ‘89

2020     Bill Myers ‘93

2019     Phil Cabrera ‘67

2018      Tom Hayes ’80

2017       Kevin Neis ‘81

2016       Bill Hayes ‘84

2015       Bill Takahashi ‘88

2014       Lou Drendel ‘51

2013       Fr. Mark Mannion ‘78

2012       Marianne Lisson Kuhn ‘69

2011       Veronica Wohead Porter ‘72

2010       John Schmitt ‘63

2009       Ruthy Cooper O’Malley ‘85

2008       Jim Hayes ‘76

2007       Gary Baumgartner ‘64

2006       Mary Brahler Kuhn ‘74

2005       Dr. Tom DeLacey ‘74

2004       Judy Rechenmacher Chapleau ‘69

2003       Bill Esser ‘66

2002       Dave Rechenmacher ‘58

2001       Rob Koller ‘74

2000       John Case, Jr. ‘68

1999       Carolyn Lauing Finzer ‘61

1998       Sr. Suzanne Doolin ‘50

1997       Sr. Nancy Ulrich ‘52

1996       Jane Hein Moylan ‘64

1995       Teresa Doolin ‘52