Shown left to right are Billings priests Fathers Jay Peterson, David Reichling, Wayne Pittard, Jose Marquez, Robert Grosch, Stephen Zabrocki and John Houlihan.
Billings Catholic Schools (BCS) celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for a new K-8 school on Thursday, April 21, 2016. Nearly 1200 students, staff, donors, and dignitaries filled the grounds with music and enthusiasm for a defining moment in the history of Billings Catholic Schools; one that will positively change the face of Catholic Education in Billings forever.
In 1959 the Great Falls-Billings Diocese purchased the property for is school for $1 from the Fox family. Their only stipulation was that one day it would be used for a new school. According to folklore, a couple of groups have attempted the project over the years, but it was not the right time. Now is the right time for the Billings Catholic Community. Rita Turley and Mike Herringer have served as Chair and Co-Chair of the Building in Faith Capital Campaign. Their commitment and dedication to the Billings Catholic Schools have guided the efforts to design a bright future for our students.
The new 90,000 square foot schoolhouse is being constructed on Colton Boulevard next to St. Thomas Church in Billings. Father Jay Peterson, Vicar General of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, delivered a blessing for the project, emphasizing the importance of a foundation of faith.
According to Jan Haider, BCSF President, “this new school will do more than simply reinforce our long-standing strength and traditions; it will offer unparalleled opportunities and benefits to present and future students.”
The current time outline will have the building completed and ready for students in the fall of 2017. Rita Turley, Campaign Chair, emphasized, “We are delighted to be where we are, but we acknowledge there is a lot of work yet to be done. We will continue to fundraise with the ultimate goal of opening the doors in 2017 without a debt.” Phase One includes completion of the entire academic wing, and the exterior shell of the gym and locker rooms, all the landscaping, roadwork, and parking lot. As funds become available, Phase Two will complete the interior finishes in the gym and locker rooms, and purchase new furniture, fixtures and equipment for the school. If you would like to become involved or need more information, please call Jan Haider at 406-252-0252, or visit the Web site billingscatholicschoolsfoundation.org.
Please help us continue
