Regarding a new Catholic High School in Central Oregon
May 26, 2026
Memorial of St. Philip Neri
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Earlier this year, the Diocese of Baker and the Friends of Xavier Catholic Prep engaged an outside consulting firm (Meitler) to conduct a feasibility study on the creation of a new Catholic high school in the Redmond/Bend area. We received the results of that study this month. While it showed that there is good support in general for a new high school, it was also clear that we have more groundwork to do.
Therefore, I propose the following next steps:
- Strengthen and grow our current schools. We need to focus on our “feeder” schools: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Bend and St. Thomas Academy in Redmond. I would like to see robust enrollment at both schools across all grade levels (especially in grades 6-8), which in turn could translate into greater demand and support for a Catholic high school. We also need to support the Chesterton Academy of Mater Dei in Bend, giving it more time to grow and flourish before introducing a new school. Furthermore, I think we should imagine and strategize creative ways in which these schools could work side-by-side, rather than competing for resources.
- Set thresholds and gather more input. Establishing clear markers that indicate readiness to move forward is essential. We also need to hear from more people and get more data, especially from groups not adequately represented in the survey results, such as our Hispanic community and families with children already enrolled in local public schools. Taking a little more time and listening to more people may also afford us the opportunity to envision a different kind of Catholic school, one better suited to the specific needs of our time, culture and community.
- Trust in God and plan for the future. Let us keep talking, thinking, and planning. We need to keep visiting with interested families and networking with potential partners and supporters. This helps build the vision and grow momentum. Above all, let us keep praying and discerning. In full transparency, I would love to see this happen. I believe that there is need, desire, and support for such a school. At the same time, we need to do this right, in God’s will and on His timeline. Our work will continue and I promise to keep our parishes and communities informed along the way.
Yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Thomas J. Hennen, STL
Bishop of Baker