This week's TEACHER FEATURE!

Mr. Davis Braun joined SMSA in 2021. As a member of the Theology Department, Mr. Braun teaches courses in Catholicism and Sacraments to freshmen, and Old Testament and New Testament courses to sophomores. He also serves as a member of the Campus Ministry Core Team with special attention on retreat planning for all high school grade levels. Mr. Braun has shared that his greatest joy “is to introduce people to Jesus Christ in the fullness of the teachings of the Catholic Church. I have a deep sense of gratitude that I have been able to work in the Church to foster my own relationship with Christ.”

Prior to SMSA, Mr. Braun served as a leader in parish ministry for many years, including two years as Director of Christian Formation at Holy Family Parish in Fond du Lac from 2014-2016. From 2016-2019 he served as Director of Christian Formation and Pastoral Associate at St. Gabriel Parish in Hubertus, and also served three years as Co-director of Catholic formation at St. Mary’s Visitation Parish in Elm Grove. For nine years, Mr. Braun served as Director of Youth Ministry at St. Joseph Parish in Big Bend and St. Frances Cabrini Parish in West Bend. Directly before joining the faculty at the Springs, Mr. Braun served St. Francis Borgia Parish in Cedarburg as Director of Apostolates.

Mr. Braun earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. He earned a Certificate of Theology of Catholic Youth Ministry through the Diocese of Phoenix and Franciscan University. His Masters of Theological Studies was earned at the Institute for Pastoral Theology at Ave Maria University.

His career in ministry has enable Mr. Braun to develop his skills with faith development of teenagers. He has had valued opportunities to direct social, service and religious education activities for several parish communities including mission trips, service projects, and Confirmation programming. He is experienced at organizing and directing retreats, youth rally trips, and other young adult formation events. Mr. Braun has trained catechists, teens and young adults for various roles in parish and societal ministry. Reflecting on the role of a Catholic school teacher, he has reflected, “We have an opportunity to ‘re-present’ the timeless truth about our faith, especially a lived relationship with Jesus. The new evangelization, even in difficult times and circumstances, can provide our youth with tremendous hope and opportunity as they realize their potential in Christ.”

RESPECT LIFE MONTH & CATHOLIC SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

During October, the Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, a time in which all are invited to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life. In this spirit, I am sharing some excerpts from the Catholic Social Responsibility Guidebook of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Civic Participation for the Common Good:

“Contemporary political dialogue has become more contentious and polarized. This divisive approach to political discourse has influenced all aspects of society, including Catholic Schools. The Catholic Church’s role in guiding its faithful into active political life is to instruct and illuminate the consciences of the faithful, so that their actions may promote the dignity of all human persons and enhance the common good. Catholic schools are called to equip our students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to interpret and respond to contemporary social circumstances in light of the Gospel and the truth of our Catholic Church and Tradition. Catholic schools, while respecting the human dignity of every person, realize that not all points of view are equally valid, and therefore place a high value on the development of conscience, positive communication skills, reflection, negotiation and problem solving in the context of a Catholic faith. Catholic schools form faithful citizens who act with courage to build common ground and make peace even in deeply fractured communities.” [Guidebook p. 12]

I urge parents and guardians to take a closer look at the Church’s theological response to cultural challenges, which is provided in the Guidebook. Here are links to further Catholic Social Responsibility resources intended for parents:

Catholic Social Responsibility Guidebook for Catholic Schools

Loving One Another Through Catholic Social Responsibility

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us.

Eamonn O’Keeffe

High School Principal

Volunteers Needed for Fun Family Event!

Are you welcoming and helpful? Ghe Children's Museum of Fond du Lac looking for volunteers! This is a great opportunity for you to help your community and develop some leadership skills!

Dates and details are below:

• Thursday, October 27 from 3:30 - 5:30 PM to build Spooktunnels.

• Friday, October 28 from 3:30 - 5:30 PM to support a variety of activities at the Spooktacular Halloween Event.

• Friday, October 28 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM to support a variety of activities at the Spooktacular Halloween Event.

Please email Morgan@cmfdl.org with questions or sign up online to help out!

National Honor Society's Fall Blood Drive

This years NHS Fall Blood Drive will be held on November 9th, 2022. The Drive will be held in the High School's Hutter Gymnasium from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. If you have any questions please contact Lauren Liethen or Dr. Jeff Biessman.

Job Opportunities

Fond du Lac Boys & Girls Club

Children's Museum of Fond du Lac

JUST POSTED! Kohl's Department Store

Ledger Learning Guide