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News & Announcements » Bishop Carroll and Saint Francis: A Shared Catholic Mission

Bishop Carroll and Saint Francis: A Shared Catholic Mission

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. - Ecclesiastes 4:9

The historical connection between Saint Francis University and Bishop Carroll Catholic High School was established long before the current partnership was envisioned. Bishop Howard Carroll, the namesake of the school, was deeply invested in education, as was the pioneer priest of our diocese, Father Demetrius Gallitzin. Bishop Carroll not only helped the the Saint Francis College restock their library with books due to a devastating fire, but in 1959, in meeting with the Franciscan Fathers, TOR, he commissioned the building of a seminary in Loretto. In the same year, Bishop Carroll sought to establish a Catholic high school in Ebensburg. For the last 67 years, the two institutions have been interwoven in many ways, creating a unique connection between them.

Collaborative efforts between the two schools, which are a mere 6 miles apart, have truly been remarkable. To name a few:

  • Over the past 6 years, 25% of Bishop Carroll graduates have continued their education at Saint Francis University.
  • Nearly 1/3rd of all Bishop Carroll faculty members are graduates of Saint Francis University.
  • Dozens of Saint Francis employees are Bishop Carroll graduates, some have spouses that are BC graduates, and several more have had children graduate from BC or are current students at the school.
  • Through the generous PEACE Agreement, Bishop Carroll students are offered a minimum range of $23,000 - $33,500 in scholarships to Saint Francis with weighted consideration for certain programs. In addition, Bishop Carroll graduates may be offered additional scholarships and preferential selection for campus offerings. BC faculty are also given discounts on classes.
  • 30 credits of dual enrollment classes are offered at BC through SFU.
  • Dr. Pete Skoner and Dr. Tricia McFadden, two professors at SFU, teach courses at BC in the Professor in Residence Program.
  • Father David Bonarrigo, TOR, is a Bishop Carroll Spanish teacher.
  • Brother Marius Strom, TOR, has been instrumental in the establishment of the Aviation program at Bishop Carroll.
  • Saint Francis University assisted Bishop Carroll in establishing the area’s first dedicated esports area in a high school. The schools have also collaborated on tournaments and programs over the past 6 years.
  • Each year, Bishop Carroll students attend Business Day and STEAM Day at Saint Francis.
  • At least one Bishop Carroll class retreat is held yearly at SFU.
  • The TOR Franciscan Fathers celebrate Bishop Carroll’s First Friday Masses in addition to all-school Masses throughout the year and assist in hearing confessions.
  • Franciscan Fathers have also led retreats for the Bishop Carroll faculty and staff over the past several years and will continue to do so in the future.
  • Various Saint Francis employees give presentations to our students, faculty, and staff. Saint Francis library personnel have recently been working with our faculty to develop an AI Policy.
  • This year, Brother Lazarus, TOR, led a Bible study and then later assisted in our Friday chapel devotions and prayers.
  • Over a dozen elementary teachers in the Prince Gallitzin Quadrant are graduates of Bishop Carroll and nearly the same number are graduates of Saint Francis.
  • Bishop Carroll graduation has been held at Saint Francis University for many years, first, at the Stokes Center, and more recently, at the JFK Center.
  • On Saint Francis’ RED (Reach Every Door) Day, SFU students have volunteered time to help with projects at Bishop Carroll.
  • Saint Francis is a sponsor for many Bishop Carroll events (Wine Festival, Trivia Night, Gala, etc.) and often has representation at each event.
  • Dr. Kerri Golden (BC ‘93), Dean of the Saint Francis School of Health Sciences and Education, has created and leads a Health Science Club at Bishop Carroll.
  • In 2022, Father Malachi and the Saint Francis community was recognized at the Bishop Carroll Gala with a Cornerstone Award for their efforts over these many years.

Father Malachi Van Tassell, TOR, President of Saint Francis University, praises the partnership between the two schools. Father Malachi said, “We have such an amazing partnership between Saint Francis and Bishop Carroll. May the Lord bless us all as we educate our students in the faith, to be light in the darkness.” Bishop Carroll Principal Jonathan Nagy added, “I concur with Father Malachi. The collaborative efforts between our two schools is nothing short of remarkable. The foundations established in our Catholic elementary schools are further developed at Bishop Carroll before being refined at Saint Francis. We look forward to enhancing our relationship for years to come. Good, faith-filled students help create a better world.”

Bishop Carroll Social Studies Teacher Jordan Bobroski (BC ‘21, SFU ‘25) has experienced first-hand the strong connection between the two institutions, adding, “Bishop Carroll and Saint Francis University share a strong partnership rooted in Catholic education. At Bishop Carroll, being able to take part in the professor in residency program gives students a preview of seeing the common ground between the two emphasizing academic excellence, faith, and service. As a Bishop Carroll student, I knew I wanted to continue my academic studies at a place that aligns with the same mission and values of Bishop Carroll. The academics at Bishop Carroll helped prepare me extremely well for being a student at Saint Francis. Students from Bishop Carroll also benefit from scholarship opportunities that makes the connection between Bishop Carroll and Saint Francis University even stronger. Bishop Carroll and Saint Francis University have truly shaped me into becoming a better Catholic citizen.”

Bobby Anderson, Saint Francis University Vice President of Enrollment Management sums up the connections very well: “For many generations, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School and Saint Francis University have shared more than our geography and proximity to each other's campuses...we have shared a calling. Rooted in the rich Catholic tradition of our region and united by a commitment to faith, learning, and service, our two institutions have formed thousands of students through their hearts and minds into faith-filled leaders of character and compassion. Our classrooms have inspired hope; our communities have nurtured life-long friendships; and our missions have strengthened the Church and the broader communities they both serve. Together, we represent a legacy that reminds us that education is not merely about what we achieve, but about who we are called to become. It is a legacy that alumni, families, and our entire community can celebrate with enduring pride. May God continue to bless Bishop Carroll Catholic High School and Saint Francis University! Go Huskies! Go Red Wolves!”

Maddie Lieb, Bishop Carroll graduate of 2025 and current Saint Francis University student added, “Continuing my education at Saint Francis University has been such a good experience for me, thanks to Bishop Carroll. The Professor in Residence classes at BC showed me what a real college class looks like and helped me make connections to staff at SFU. Most importantly, Saint Francis has already helped grow my faith so much. Going to Catholic schools my entire life has been the biggest blessing, and I am so thankful to be at an institution like Saint Francis.”

The connection between the two schools is strong and only growing stronger. We look forward to all of the great things yet to come from this historic partnership and all of the good work that graduates of both schools are doing to positively impact the world!