"People like you in this world will always make a difference. God multiplies so much generosity and support for the families that make up Risen Christ. Thank you very much!"
A Message of Gratitude from a Risen Christ Parent
With Great Love / Con Gran Amor
Inspired by the wisdom of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Risen Christ ’s 2022-2023 school year embraced the theme “With Great Love / Con Gran Amor.” Our reflection taught us about the power of cooperation and the strength that comes from working together, regardless of our differences or limitations. And because of the great love and partnership shown by our donors, volunteers and community to Risen Christ, our students have an open door of opportunity and a transformational Catholic education that has been made financially accessible to all families. Our students have discovered that when you show great love, great love comes back to you.
Thank you for everything you make possible for our students!
Risen Christ By the Numbers
We extend a most special thanks to the Aim Higher Foundation for their remarkable contribution of 137 scholarships to the students of Risen Christ Catholic School during the 2022-23 school year, investing over half a million dollars in our students since their inception — making it possible for these students to envision an even brighter future and aim higher.
For more detailed demographics, please visit our school profile.
Congratulations Class of 2023!
We are incredibly proud of our Class of 2023. They represent the first class of bilingual and biliterate students to graduate from Risen Christ. Nine years ago they were the first cohort of dual immersion students, and now they are the first group of students in the state of Minnesota to graduate from a Catholic dual immersion program!
Each graduate received a diploma featuring a special golden seal on it. This is a special Seal of Biliteracy Pathway Award from Boston College. It recognizes students who have studied and attained proficiency in two languages. It can show colleges and future employers the accomplishments of bilingual students. They are among the first students in the country to receive this recognition.
Beyond their skills in English and Spanish, they also received a greater gift: the gift of a Catholic education.
Congratulations Class of 2023!
40 Students
56% attended Risen Christ since Kindergarten
72.5% are attending Catholic High Schools
“Learning two languages has helped us appreciate our roots, especially the language and culture of our parents and grandparents. In addition, it gave us the opportunity to embrace friends from different cultures. A bilingual education led us to a broader vision of the world, together and with the help of our parents and teachers.”
Melanie Lara, Class of 2023 Spirit of Risen Christ Award Winner
Thank you Risen Christ Volunteers!
We offer our heartfelt gratitude to the amazing individuals, organizations, schools and parishes who served our students and families during the 2022-2023 school year by generously sharing their time and talents. Thank you!
“I chose Risen Christ [to volunteer] because it was literally my second home, and I was so eager to see how much it’s evolved. I wanted to inspire other kids.”
Karla Rojas-Tepozteco ‘17
Total # volunteers: 121
Total # volunteer hours: 3,770
Using the Independent Sector value of volunteer time in Minnesota ($34.47 per hour in 2023), Risen Christ volunteers contributed the equivalent of $129,952 in time and talent during the 2022-23 school year.
We strive for accuracy. If you discover an error please contact the Advancement Office:
Ann Green, Advancement Manager: [email protected]
James DeLong ‘95, Director of Advancement: [email protected]
The incredible outcomes highlighted in this report are made possible by you! Please consider sustaining our success by making a gift today. As you can see, our students are very deserving of your trust, faith and generosity!
Alumni Highlight: Diana Tirado ‘14 Among Bilingual Page Scholars
Diana graduated from Risen Christ in 2014 to attend Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and graduated from University of St. Thomas in 2023. Her story celebrates the dedication of the entire Catholic philanthropic community to helping students dream of a future far bigger – and achieve it.
Fr. John Forliti and Fr. Joseph Gillespie Each Recognized with Circle of Light Award
Our Circle of Light Award is given annually to individuals or organizations whose dedication, long-time support, visionary leadership and generosity have made Risen Christ the hallmark of hope and opportunity for the children we serve today.
On Tuesday, October 4, 2022, it was our great honor to present Risen Christ's annual Circle of Light Award to two priests who have provided transformational leadership and support to our school community over many years: Fr. John Forliti and Fr. Joe Gillespie.
Fr. John Forliti has served as a member of the Risen Christ Board of Directors and was a leader of our Fulfilling the Promise capital campaign to eliminate the school’s long standing debt. Over the years, he has introduced countless donors and volunteers to Risen Christ who continue to contribute their gifts and talents to this day.
Fr. Joe Gillespie is beloved for his fellowship and faithful service to all of us, particularly the children of Risen Christ Catholic School as the school’s Canonical Administrator since 2007. Known throughout our faith community, Fr. Joe has invited countless individuals to experience the joys of supporting the children of Risen Christ. Through his leadership of our successful Fulfilling the Promise capital campaign, Risen Christ is now debt-free with a bright future.
Middle School Enrichment
Thanks to the generous support of the Carolyn Foundation, Risen Christ was able to offer a robust suite of enrichment programming to our middle schoolers! This included COMPAS Artist Residencies, University of Minnesota’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program for students and parents, Youth Frontiers’ Courage Retreat, Yearbook Club and most popular, Minnesota Urban Debate League through Augsburg College.
Our Debate Team debates in Spanish and this spring, 9 out of our 19 participating students placed in the Spanish Debate Citywide Championship tournament!
“I was impressed with the students' dedication to the program and to each other as they supported yet challenged each other to become better public speakers. Besides enjoying the weekly student-centered practices and monthly tournaments, Coach Carmen and I were blown away by the learning, companionship, and great love that the students showed throughout the season.”
Davina Van Horenbeeck, Spanish Language Arts Teacher and Debate Coach
“Remind me of the light that emerges from the darkness because of Your great love. May my faith in You grow stronger each day.”
Danna, a second grader, prayed these words along with her classmates during the Stations of the Cross in Lent.
2022-2023 Financial Summary
PLEASE NOTE: This is an unaudited summary of financial activities during the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Risen Christ is currently engaged with CliftonLarsonAllen for a third-party audit that will be completed in April 2025.
Any questions regarding this financial summary and our forthcoming audited financial statements can be directed to Nathan Meehling, CFO and Director of Business Administration at [email protected] or 612-234-8534.