Chicago Tribune and Crains in favor of Invest in Kids Tax Credit

Governor Pritzker’s upcoming budget proposes slashing the Invest In Kids Tax Credit Scholarship, and without legislative action, this critical program will be gone in 2 years. 100% of CRSM families qualify for this scholarship, and cutting this vital program now would be devastating. An article in Crains: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/orphe-divounguy-economy/reducing-inequality-starts-preserving-scholarship-tax-credits Editorial: Strengthen, rather than gut, a compromise that benefits all schoolchildren Four … Read More

July President’s Pen: Today is the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola

Today is the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola.  Among his many inspired writings, including The Spiritual Exercises, he is purported to have said, “Pray as if God will take care of all; act as if all is up to you.”  Another saying attributed to him is, “Love is shown more in deeds than in words.”  We love our students and we … Read More

June President’s Pen: If not us, who?  If not now, when?

IF NOT US, WHO?  IF NOT NOW, WHEN? Variations of these words are attributed to numerous people over time going back all the way to Hillel the Elder.  Hillel is a significant figure in Judaism and one of the most famous sages of the Talmud.  Rabbinical scholars believe that Jesus of Nazareth was likely familiar with some of his teachings.  … Read More

Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarships Quadruple the Impact for CRSM

The above graphic says it all. The COVID 19 pandemic has created even greater economic challenges for CRSM and our families. Before the pandemic, the average CRSM family income was under $40,000, and we estimate over 40% of CRSM families have lost one or both incomes since March. The uncertainty of business partners’ return to work plans has increased the … Read More

May President’s Pen: How are things going with Cristo Rey St. Martin?

“How are things going with Cristo Rey St. Martin?”  In these pandemic times that seemingly simple question is really quite complex.  A whole lot is going on right now, some of it heartbreaking, but much of it inspiring and hopeful.  Let’s start with our families.  About 1/3 of our parents lost their jobs in the first couple weeks of lockdown.  … Read More

Cristo Rey Loses Paul Purcell, Champion of Our Mission

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, Paul Purcell. Paul was a true champion of the Cristo Rey mission, dedicated to the education and professional development of Cristo Rey students for nearly 25 years. Paul always said that, after his family, the thing he was most proud of was his work with Cristo Rey.  Paul was the second … Read More

Stories from the Academics Department

A Note from Marlene Eby, Assistant Principal Hello to our CRSM Family, On Monday March 30th, Spring Break ended and CRSM students began their e-learning programs. Prior to the beginning of e-learning, Dr. Odiotti and I were in contact with all of our teachers and our various teams working and meeting via tele-conference to prepare our students academically, socially and … Read More

Girl Undaunted: An Interview with Laura Pizano

Laura (CRSM ’13, MSOE ‘21) and I first spoke while she was in the middle of her family’s move to a new residence and as she was starting her e-classes at Milwaukee School of Engineering. Like most students across the country, she is adjusting to the tectonic shifts occurring across the academic landscape. She spoke eloquently about the challenges she … Read More