Pages 1 - Sacred Heart Catholic School

14 May 2013 SHCS High School Choir Spring Concert 7:30 p.m. 14 May 2013
SACRED
ALUMNI
HEART
Vice President: Bekki JONES
Treasurer: Tina WEINZAPFEL
VOL. 24 NO. 3 SACRED HEART ALUMNI Spring 2013
P.O. Box 97 Muenster, Texas 76252
Alumni Meeting - 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic School Library
A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS AND FRIENDS OF THE MUENSTER CATHOLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM
SHCS Gym Addition
President’s Memo . . .
Vickie Schmitt Fleitman, ’89
Hope everyone is having a
great spring. Summer is right
around the corner. This year
is flying by.
I would like to thank everyone
for your continued support of
the Alumni. Thanks to all of
you donating time, talent, or treasure. We need
them all. We couldn't do it without the entire
School Family behind us. So many volunteers
go unnoticed and I am so privileged to get to
work with these people. I know they will be there
anytime we are in need. Thank you one and all.
But most of all, thank you, Mom, for teaching me
the importance of a Catholic education and how
to volunteer!
(Editor’s Note: Vickie’s mother, Della Hartman
Schmitt, ’61, has been in the hospital critically ill
these past few months. Please keep her and her
family in your prayers. A more dedicated supporter
of SHCS there couldn’t be.)
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent
them; for the kingdom belongs to such as these.”
(Mt 19:14)
THE ALUMNI
President: Vickie FLEITMAN, ’89
COMPLETED!
Secretary: Reneta KNABE, ’80
Financial Officer: Duane KNABE
W
hen a microburst suddenly struck
Muenster on June 18, 2011, it took
mere seconds for the Sacred Heart field
house to be destroyed. Rather than being
allowed to be a major setback, however, that loss has been
transformed into an amazing accomplishment. Now, nearly
two years later, completion of the first addition to Sacred
Heart High School since its construction in 1954 is at hand.
With finishing out scheduled to be completed by the end
of May, the move in date is tentatively scheduled for mid-
June.
The new addition to the gym, measuring just under 5,000
square feet, not only replaces the field house, but also
replaces or adds other facilities, all of which have long been
needed. Facilitating both football and basketball games, the
addition includes public men’s and women’s restrooms,
boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, a laundry, ice, and taping
room, coaches offices, weight room, concession area and
storage, general storage, janitor’s closet, and a commons
area.
As the highly anticipated addition has gradually become
a reality, three major, most impressive factors stand out as
having made possible its successful completion.
First, it took the vision, the dedication to Sacred Heart
Catholic School, and the can-do attitude inherent in so
many School Family members. Nothing could be more
(Please see ADDITION, page 3)

PRINCIPAL'S LETTER
Dear Friends in Christ,
Easter is a wonderful time of year. We gather
together as a community to collectively reflect
on how we can better live the faith that we
have inherited. As we reflect on our lives
through the multifaceted lens of our Christian
heritage, we explore how Christ has been
present in our family, work, and community.
When we were baptized into the Church, we
were baptized into its mission. That mission
should guide all of our actions without regard
for place or circumstance. Living that mission
in our daily and ordinary lives is the most
effective way of carrying it forward. We are
fortunate that the Church offers us so many
opportunities to theologically reflect in an
environment that invites us to open ourselves
to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Through
these promptings we are called to exercise and
share the gifts we received at our baptism.
As I reflect on the Sacred Heart community, I see Christ present everywhere. He
is present in the sacrifice of the mass celebrated passionately under the guidance
of our pastor. He is present in the many acts of kindness motivated by Christian
love that make our community such a special place. He is present in the pain that
we share through the sickness and death of those closest to us. He is present in
the great joy that we celebrate at the good fortune of our friends and neighbors.
Finally, he is present in our continual effort to build this ministry so that in its
service to the People of God it produces something pleasing to him. At times these
religious insights appear fleeting. Through frequent prayer and reflection on
them we can make them permanent fixtures in the world of our experience.
Have a happy and blessed Easter Season! And thank
you for your support of this ministry.
Your brother in Christ,
Ralf
Ralf Rondon, Ph.D.
2 THE ALUMNI Spring 2013

GYM ADDITION
reflective of those attributes than the question posed by Donna
Hess Biffle, ’81, to Darell Walterscheid, ’76, as the two
weighed the financially daunting possibility of including other
much needed facilities along with the field house: “Darell, if
not us, then who”
That conversation was the impetus for the project and the
creation of the School Facilities Development Committee,
with members John S. Bartush, ’74, Donna Hess Biffle, ’81,
Debbie Hess, Mark Hesse, ’84, Milton Knauf, ’74, Coach
Jon LeBrasseur, Parish Facility Manager Ernie Martin,
’73, Father Ken Robinson, Principal Ralf Rondon, Ph.D.,
Coach Dale Schilling, ’80, Lydia Walterscheid Springer,
’86, and Darell Walterscheid, ’76.
Secondly, characteristic of every project undertaken by Sacred
Heart, the addition would never have been possible without
the boundless talent and energy so selflessly given by School
Family members. A number of individuals were, in fact,
indispensable in ensuring the quality, aesthetics, and budgetary
success of the project.
The huge contributions of Doug Fleitman started from the
get-go. Doug was given the contract for demolition and dirt
work, which listed for over $30,000. Doug did it all for free.
As a result of rain and building conditions, he constantly and
continuously moved dirt for the contractor so that construction
could continue. In addition, he not only checked on the project
daily, but also generously donated numerous items, including
shelves, trash cans, and file cabinets, and supplied manpower
and machines for the ongoing project.
Electrician Milton Knauf, ’74, volunteered his expertise in
relocating the electrical service panel for all incoming lines
in new and existing structures, a job valued at $10,000. He
also ran another conduit for the gym, enabling the possibility
that a cooling system could be installed there in the future. In
his dedication to the project, Milton checked on construction
regularly and could frequently be found doing project
enhancements and repair work.
Donna Hess Biffle, ’81, also devoted untold hours to the
construction project, energetically tending to the hundreds of
finishing details. Her womanly presence was invaluable. The
building process was blessed with her expert eye in determining
color selections, her knowledge and good judgment in dealing
with practical considerations, her insistence on quality, and
her actions taken to ensure that things turned out in the best
possible way.
And of course, as is so frequently the case, the successful
completion of the addition would never have been possible
without Darell Walterscheid, ’76. The mastermind behind the
entire project, Darell even drew up the original plan. Throughout
the entire process, he followed every detail to make sure each
was completed correctly. He undertook projects himself, too
numerous to mention, both to reduce costs and ensure quality,
even paying out of pocket if necessary to have a desired
objective accomplished. Darell not only devoted a huge part
of his time to the project, from beginning to end, but his wife,
Sandra Walterscheid, was also often on the scene doing any
task required.
Creating a wonderful synergy, all the members of the School
Facilities Development Committee worked together, ensuring
the success of the project. For example, the process saw Darell
holding the contractors to the highest standards, Dr. Rondon
getting on contractors concerning any financial matters, Ernie
handling the contracts, Mark providing good suggestions, and
the coaches explaining what they did or did not need. A big
committee, it provided checks and balances, benefitting from
the strengths of each member.
The third factor making the new addition possible was the
incredible generosity of individuals and their strong belief in the
ministry of Sacred Heart Catholic School. Indeed, the Diocese
would not allow the project to begin before funding was in
hand. Insurance would pay $170,000 for the replacement of the
field house, but the remaining $1,030,000 had to be acquired
through donations. And sizable donations they were, with
many of the twenty-some donors being individuals outside of
Sacred Heart Parish, an important consideration since funding
for the project could not be allowed to detract from the Parish
Capital Campaign.
Fundraising efforts were spearheaded by Donna and Jim
Biffle, and Debbie and Doyle Hess, ’70, with the ladies giving
their husbands much of the credit. Strong believers in the
cause, and being donors themselves, they connected well with
individuals enthusiastic to contribute. For example, the two
couples attended and supported a fundraiser for the Nocona
Museum. Doyle approached Pete Horton and let him know
about the upcoming plans at Sacred Heart. Pete quickly said
he would give, and before the evening was over, he came over
to their table and told them he wanted to double the amount he
had originally stated.
(Please see ADDITION, page 4)
THE ALUMNI Spring 2013 3

GYM ADDITION
What motivated individuals to make their generous donations
The following donors graciously share their thoughts:
“We knew how important it was to maintain our excellent
Catholic school and faith-based education at Sacred Heart.
We feel that both our parents provided that for us and wanted
our grandchildren and great-grandchildren to have the same
opportunity.”
Carrie Gehrig Walterscheid, ’54,
and Julian Walterscheid, ’49
“During my elementary years Sacred Heart decided to put
an emphasis on reading and comprehension. Remember the
reading lab During my high school years at Sacred Heart,
Brother Thomas put an emphasis on book reports, paper
presentations, vocal presentations, etc., which at the time
I considered completely useless. Thirty-six years later, the
ability to read on a higher level and comprehend and present
ideas in a clear, concise manner on paper or in voice, with no
spelling errors, has been very valuable in my line of work.
It is a tribute to the quality of education that I so grudgingly
received while at Sacred Heart. I work with and employ several
graduates from Sacred Heart and I can still see that the quality
of education remains. The teachings of Faith, Family, Country,
and Work at Sacred Heart are cornerstones that have shaped
our lives and for that I will always be grateful.”
Tim Sicking, ’77
“Parents, nuns, and priests molded our lives as to what is really
important. Our value system in life came from our influences
in our past. As we all get older we realize how important it is to
sustain the School’s existence. When we were younger, raising
families, it took everything we had just to pay tuition and fees
and bills. Now, later in life, we can reflect on things important
for the future.”
“I am a supporter of Catholic education. I have always been
active in support of the Order of St. Benedict in Arkansas,
as well as St. Mary’s School in Gainesville. I am once again
supporting my Catholic faith and education.”
John Schmitz
“My motive was our forefathers’ investments and sacrifices.
They constructed all the buildings on the parish grounds with
no more financial resources, and even less in most cases, than
any of us have today. I felt like it was our turn to do our part for
the future generations. It is all a matter of priority as it was for
the generations before us.”
Doyle Hess, ’70
The Sacred Heart School Family is deeply appreciative of the
dedication, vision, can-do spirit, talent, energy, hard work,
and generosity of some amazing individuals, all of which
have combined to ensure a facility that will always be a true
source of pride to the entire School Family. As exclaimed by
two recent SHCS grads, home for spring break, upon getting
a sneak-peek of the new addition’s interior: “Wow! Look out
Allen High!” and “Wow! Is this nice or what! I want to come
back to high school!”
Please know that the opportunity to enjoy a tour of the new
facility is scheduled for July, with an open house to be held on
Saturday, July 27, at 6:00 p.m., and on Sunday, July 28, from
9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon.
Donations to help with furnishings for the new addition will be
most gratefully accepted. If you feel called to contribute in this
way, please contact Debbie Hess at 940-736-3051.
LaVerna Hess Nasche, ’56 / Muenster Drilling Co.
“We felt the desire to do our part to continue on the Catholic
education that our parents and grandparents sacrificed so dearly
for. It was purely through their faith in action that they set such
a good example for us.”
Stacie Walterscheid Miller, ’77
4 THE ALUMNI Spring 2013