Dear Holy Name and St. Mary Parish Families, 

In 1992 I was a recent graduate of Southwestern, a substitute teacher, and stay at home mom.  I received a call from the principal of Holy Name School. She was looking for a  teacher.  I answered that call.  “Oh, what a glorious 35 years it has been!” 

There were many times, especially during those first ten years, when I wondered if Holy Name Catholic School would survive. During my first decade of teaching at Holy Name, we had five different principals and five different priests. We added seventh and eighth grades, only to later lose those grades, along with Pre-K and sixth grade. It was a turbulent time in the history of our school and parish.

Yet, time and time again, when we thought one door was closing, God was opening another. It became increasingly clear that God was in control and that it was His will for our little but mighty school to remain an important part of our parish community.

In 2000, we remodeled the school, and over the next two years, we were able to reestablish our Pre-K and sixth grades. In 2003, I was called to serve as acting principal. I returned to school, embraced a new role, and began a different chapter of my journey at Holy Name. However, I could never completely give up teaching. One of the greatest gifts of serving Holy Name families has been the opportunity to continue teaching your amazing children.

Now, it is time to answer another call. I am not yet sure where God is leading me, but I know that over the past several years, He has been gently tugging at my heart to serve Him in other ways. After much prayer and reflection, I have decided that this will be my final year as principal of Holy Name Catholic School.

I absolutely love my job, so this decision has not been easy. However, I trust that God has other things in store for me and for His school. I have shared part of our history because I want you to understand how far we have come and to offer examples of the many ways God carries us through uncertain times.

Holy Name Catholic School is in a wonderful place. We have amazing, dedicated teachers with strong ties to our school and parish. We have financial stability, a supportive and committed staff and parents, a parish that believes in and supports our mission, and a priest whose experience and wisdom will help guide us into the future. I have known for several years that this would be my final year, but I could not have imagined just how beautifully God would prepare the way for the next principal of our school.

It has been an honor to walk beside you on this journey of faith and to share in the education and spiritual growth of your children. Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, and allowing me the privilege of serving you and your families. The memories, relationships, and faith we have shared will always hold a special place in my heart.

As we begin this transition, Fr. Matt will work closely with the diocese to find our next principal. A hiring committee will be formed to assist with the selection process. The committee will include Fr. Matt, a teacher, a parent, a parish member, and one of the diocesan superintendents. This process will begin in the next few weeks.

As I prepare for this next chapter, I do so with a grateful heart and great confidence in God’s continued care for Holy Name. Our school has weathered many challenges, celebrated many blessings, and grown through the faith and dedication of so many people. I know that God will continue to guide this community, just as He always has.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives and for making Holy Name my home. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve this incredible school, parish, and community.

With love and gratitude,

Kim Porter