Shrine Catholic Schools Breaks Ground on New Athletic Field
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ROYAL OAK, Mich . – April, 2021 – Backed by strong community support, Shrine Catholic Schools has begun construction on an ambitious $2.1 million dollar project which will provide a state-of-the-art athletic field located on the high school and academy campus. Targeted for completion by Fall 2021, the new field not only will bring new opportunities for current student athletes but attract new students to the thriving schools.“We made a promise to our Shrine community which we always intended to fulfill. The initial title of our campaign was ‘The Time is Now.’ There was no disclaimer that outside forces (such as the pandemic) would break this commitment. The time has come today when we are breaking ground for an athletic complex where athletes can safely perform to their highest potential, students and families can support one another, and generations of traditions and memories can be made.” said Fr. Joe Horn, President of Shrine Catholic Schools and Rector of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica.
Although fundraising efforts continue there is enough financial support from alumni, current school families and friends to proceed with construction. Alumni know the importance of an excellent playing field as they reminisce about their athletic accomplishments at Shrine. Current school families and friends see the new field as a feather in the cap for the community and its strong Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and Catholic High School League (CHSL) programs.
“This effort really was a push by our entire community to meet the needs of our athletes. Just one month ago our Step By Step committee provided a significant contribution from funds raised through its annual 5K run and a 1.5 mile walk. ” said Ben Kerfoot, Shrine Catholic High School Athletic Director.Steve Carpenter, Shrine Catholic Grade School Athletic Director could not agree more. “We might have had to wait a little longer if not for this strong momentum to make this dream a reality.” The Grade School and Academy Dads’ Club also provided a significant donation. “I know I speak for all parents of athletes that I can not wait to see the first game played on this new field.”
Among the teams to practice and play on the new field include Grade School, Academy and High School Football, Soccer and Lacrosse. The school system also plans to provide the greater community with the opportunity to rent the field for future events.About Shrine Catholic Schools and National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica
Shrine Catholic Schools are parish schools of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak, Michigan. Founded in 1934, the schools provide a co-educational Christ-centered learning environment for Pre-K through 12thgrade, with a focus on excellence in college preparatory education as well as extracurricular activities and many after-school programs and clubs. The National Shrine of the Little Flower, named a minor Basilica in 2015 by Pope Francis, was founded in 1926 and serves a parish of approximately 4,200 families in and throughout the Metro-Detroit area.
