Ground broken for new facilities at Helias Catholic High School
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Bishop W. Shawn McKnight and Erin Vader Ed.D, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, joined a distinguished slate of dignitaries and school representatives for the groundbreaking ceremony for Helias Catholic High School’s Spirit of Excellence project to complete the school’s campus master plan.
“The work we are beginning today should enliven our faith and make us grateful,” Bishop McKnight stated.
The Spirit of Excellence project will bring all school facilities onto Helias Catholic’s central campus with a new performing arts center, baseball and softball complex, and addition to the existing Rackers Fieldhouse.
“As Helias Catholic has grown over the years — both in size and in what it offers to help students develop academically, spiritually and personally — generations of school leaders and members of our community have advanced the vision for what our school can be,” Helias Catholic President Ron Vossen told community members gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking.
“Now, standing underneath a part of our school building that didn’t exist 10 years ago and in view of what used to be fondly referred to as ‘the practice field,’ we’re standing where the new baseball/softball plaza will be, looking at what will be a changed landscape for likely the final time in our school’s history,” he stated.
“For anyone who knows the words to our school’s alma mater by heart, you understand what I mean when I say that we are truly marching onward together!” he said.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Abigail Flippin, of The Architects Alliance and the Helias Catholic Class of 2007, and Jeff Wilson, of Sircal Construction, and the Helias Catholic Class of 1992, discussed details of the project.
Visible construction work is expected to take place as soon as July and to be completed in the summer of 2026.
During the ceremony, Bishop McKnight and Dr. Vader recognized Mr. Vossen for his 45 years of service to Helias Catholic.
In the closing prayer, Bishop McKnight asked God to “grant that the work we begin may serve to better our lives and, through Your goodness, contribute to the spread of the Kingdom of Christ.”
For more information and to support the Spirit of Excellence campaign, please visit heliascatholic.com/spiritofexcellence or contact Helias Catholic President Ron Vossen at rvossen@heliascatholic.com or 573-635-6139.
