Give to the SACS 2021 Annual Fund online: SacsSchools.org/donate

Dear friends in Advent Hope & Christmas JOY, 

Through the 2021 Annual Fund, the Lord invites you to co-author the
“golden chapter” of our story. We celebrate 50 years, the Golden Jubilee,
of Shakopee Area Catholic School. Each year is a chapter of our story and
a treasury of blessings. As the Pastor of Saints Joachim & Anne (SJA) and SACS,
our parish school, I see two great columns standing on a 50-year mission:
 
First, the unity of Shakopee Catholics as a spiritual family committed to our Faith.
The story of SACS mission is the SJA prologue; the spirit by which our parish was conceived.
 
Second, the litany of diverse and meaningful achievements by our current and past students and staff. The effects of their accomplishments in our community and world have kept our mission strong and our spirit open to serving the whole of Shakopee. These columns of Faith and strength fill me with gratitude.
 
We all have a school story!
 
Who was God’s co-author for your most cherished chapter? When you pause and pray, what part of your own school story makes your heart most grateful? A teacher who recognized and supported your unique talent? Perhaps a personal moment of mission during your school years. Whether to honor those who were a part of your story (or your child’s or grandchild’s) or to help create one for our students of tomorrow, your gift to the Annual Fund supports our students and staff. Together, with grateful hearts, we can write the next golden chapter for SACS.
 

In this year of unprecedented demands, our goal is $165,000 to
meet budget and grow our endowment (10% of gifts up to $16,500).

 
SJA parish support made possible a 2020-2021 tuition freeze and reaching $200,000 will enable us to continue that commitment. Thanks be to God, we have already reached $100,000. Now is the time for us to further unite in Faith and give from our gratitude. On behalf of our tireless principal, Mrs. Julie Moran, and our SJA - SACS staff and students, THANK YOU for your prayers and sacrifice for the 2021 Annual Fund.
 
An inspiring story of a “SACS alumnus and teacher” miracle-in-the-making:
 
In her 19-year tenure at our St. Mark school, Sr. Mary Anita Hoffmann, SSND taught every grade and doubled as Principal (a nod to 2020*). She had an eye for excellence, a joyful spirit, and like our teachers today, she saw each child as a gift from God with gifts to share. In 1939 a remarkably sharp boy, in her seventh-grade class, caught her attention...Sister Anita insisted he take a state exam to skip eighth-grade, and, thus, a caring teacher co-authored an important chapter in the life of young Mark Berens.
 
Mark graduated early from our school with a scholarship to St. Thomas Academy. Four years a Cadet; a train to South Bend; from the Golden Dome to the University of Chicago Law School. Mr. Berens juris doctor still practices law, just in his 90’s and, with equal or greater zeal, practices our Roman Catholic Faith. “In appreciation for Sister Anita’s role in my life…” an incredible $50,000 gift from Mr. and Mrs. Berens drives this year’s Annual Fund.
 
In addition, next fiscal year (2021 - 2022) and indefinitely after, the Mark H. Berens Charitable Foundation has made a substantial commitment to our school, in Sr. Anita’s name. The primary aim is to help compensate our teachers who carry on the torch of the Catholic Faith. It is for this Faith and for our souls that Sr. Anita became a bride of Christ. It is with joyful Faith that she co-authored countless chapters of the lives of children – the greatest gifts of God to our parish and school.  
 
Gratefully, joyfully, and Faithfully yours,

Rev. Erik Lundgren         *Mrs. Julie Moran
Pastor                             Principal

MISSION: Passionately lead people to Jesus Christ and sacramental life in the Catholic Church.
VISION: A holy house of the Lord standing faithful and strong for Shakopee.
VALUES: Purification, Invitation, Leadership, Adoration, Restoration
 

Checks payable to “SJA - SACS Annual Fund”
Send to the office at 2700 17^th Ave. E., Shakopee, MN 55379
by mail, in-person, or through the SJA Sunday collection basket.
Gifts can be made online: SacsSchools.org/donate