Monte Cassino Governance Updates

List of 4 items.

• 5.15.25 - Governance Agreement Signing Letter from Larry Rooney

  Dear Monte Cassino Community,

   

  I write to you today on behalf of the Board of Directors to share a historic and meaningful milestone in our school's life, one that honors the legacy of the Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph Monastery and charts a faithful path toward our future.

   

  On May 14, 2025, during the Board of Directors meeting, I had the great privilege of joining our Head of School, Chris Burke, in signing the official document that will enable the full transfer of governance of Monte Cassino School from the Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph Monastery to the Monte Cassino Board of Directors. This signing took place in the Monastery Library, a setting rich in the spirit and tradition that have shaped our school since its founding in 1926. The transfer will take effect on July 1, 2025.

   

  This important moment was undertaken in full support and coordination with the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma. We are deeply grateful for the support of Bishop David Konderla, who signed the agreement in advance of the Board of Directors meeting, formally affirming Monte Cassino’s continued mission and operation as an independent Catholic Benedictine school within the Diocese.

   

  Before the signing, the Sisters gathered with us to offer a prayerful blessing, asking for God’s guidance, wisdom, and unity as the Board steps into this important role. Their words were a powerful reminder of the sacred trust we inherit and the responsibility we now carry.

   

  For nearly a century, the Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph Monastery have faithfully led Monte Cassino with clarity of purpose, spiritual depth, and unwavering dedication to education rooted in Catholic Benedictine values. Their influence is deeply woven into our school’s identity, from academic excellence to spiritual formation.

   

  While this governance transition marks a new chapter, Monte Cassino's essence remains unchanged. Our Catholic Benedictine identity and core values will continue to guide us. The Board of Directors, made up of individuals deeply committed to the mission of Monte Cassino, will steward the school with great care, integrity, and a clear vision for its future.

   

  On behalf of the entire Board, I invite all members of the Monte Cassino community to join us in recognizing this significant moment. Let us offer our heartfelt gratitude to the Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph Monastery for their extraordinary leadership and legacy. Their spirit will continue to inspire us in the years ahead.

   

  With gratitude,
  
  

  Larry Rooney
  Chair, Monte Cassino Board of Directors

• 4.6.25 - Follow Up Letter From Mr. Burke and FAQ

  Dear Monte Cassino community, Happy Sunday! I want to follow up on last week’s announcement regarding the transfer of full governance of Monte Cassino from the Sisters of St. Joseph Monastery to our Board of Directors.   As I mentioned on Thursday, this moment is both historic and affirming. It reflects the profound trust the Sisters have placed in our Board, school leadership, and MC community and reaffirms our steadfast commitment to remaining an independent Catholic Benedictine school.   We enter this next chapter with deep gratitude, thoughtful planning, and a strong sense of purpose. Our mission remains unchanged, and our focus continues to be that “Together, we educate each student as a child of God, providing an innovative experience that challenges the mind, grows the heart, and nurtures the spirit, preparing our students to navigate life with confidence, resilience, and grace.”   As we navigate this transition, we are dedicated to ensuring that our entire community remains informed, supported, and engaged. To assist with this, we have developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that addresses the most common inquiries we have received since last week’s announcement.    View the FAQ by clicking here.   Additionally, you can continue to submit questions here so that we can keep our community informed on the most relevant topics regarding this governance transition.   Click here to submit a question.   Thank you for walking with us. Your trust and partnership mean everything as we move forward—together.    Faithfully in Mission,   Chris Burke, Head of School

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• 4.2.25 - Initial Letter From Sister Marie Therese Long, OSB

  Dear Monte Cassino Community,   I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to share an important decision regarding the future of Monte Cassino School—one that has been made after much prayer, discernment, and thoughtful discussion within our Benedictine community. The Benedictine Sisters, founders of Monte Cassino School, have decided to focus more fully on the mission of our monastery, which is centered on prayer, work, and hospitality. As a result, after nearly 100 years of serving as the school’s founders, we will be transferring the governance of the school to the Monte Cassino Board of Directors. This transition is being made with the full support of the Monastic Council, our Congregation, Bishop David Konderla, Board Chair Larry Rooney, the Monte Cassino Board of Directors, and Head of School Chris Burke.   Please be assured that Monte Cassino will remain an independent Catholic Benedictine school. Its mission will continue to be guided by the values we have nurtured for nearly a century. The school is in a strong position for this transition, and we are confident that its leadership will continue to serve the best interests of the students for the next 100 years and beyond.   Monte Cassino’s commitment to providing a high-quality education rooted in faith and moral development remains unwavering. The day-to-day operations of the school will continue as usual, and your children will still be welcomed each day with the immense love and support that sets Monte Cassino apart.   The Sisters have been working closely with the school’s administration to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. We are confident that Monte Cassino will continue to thrive under its current leadership. The Board of Directors has helped oversee the school’s governance and fiduciary duties for over a decade, and we trust it will continue to uphold the school’s mission with care and integrity. The Benedictine legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Monte Cassino, and we are confident it will remain a source of strength and inspiration.   As part of this transition, the Sisters will eventually relocate from the current monastery to a new residence in the Tulsa area. We are in the process of identifying a location that meets our needs and will provide updates as those plans progress. We are deeply proud of our longstanding relationship with Monte Cassino and the role we have played in shaping its identity. We recognize that this is a significant change; however, we firmly believe it is in the best interest of both the monastery and the school. We are hopeful and energized about what lies ahead, and we look forward to a bright and faithful future.   We will be hosting a town hall meeting to provide more information and answer your questions on Friday, April 4, at 8:15 a.m. in the Monte Cassino School MPAC located at 2206 S. Lewis Ave. in Tulsa. The Sisters, Board Chair Larry Rooney, members of the Monte Cassino Board of Directors, and Head of School Chris Burke will be in attendance. We warmly invite you to join us in learning more about this important moment in the school’s history.   Thank you for your ongoing dedication to Monte Cassino and its mission. We are profoundly grateful for your continued partnership and support as we enter this next chapter. Please click HERE to view a video message from The Benedictine Sisters of Saint Joseph Monastery.  If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at smt@montecassino.org, Board Chair Larry Rooney, or Head of School Chris Burke.   With gratitude and peace, Sister Marie Therese Long, O.S.B. Prioress of Saint Joseph Monastery President of Monte Cassino School

   

• 4.3.25 - Follow Up Letter From Mr. Burke and Town Hall Reminder

  Dear Monte Cassino Community,   Many of you likely saw Sister Marie Therese’s announcement yesterday. Naturally, this news brings with it a sense of anticipation and curiosity about what it means for our school as we move forward together.   This moment represents a meaningful and affirming point in Monte Cassino’s history—one that reinforces our enduring commitment to an independent Catholic Benedictine education. As we navigate this transition, we are dedicated to ensuring that every member of our community feels informed, supported, and engaged.   To provide greater context and answer your questions, Sister Marie Therese, the Benedictine Sisters, members of the Board of Directors, and I will host a town hall meeting tomorrow, Friday, April 4th, at 8:15 a.m. in the MPAC. This gathering will offer an opportunity to ask questions about this governance transition in more detail and reflect on its significance for Monte Cassino community.   You can submit a question here in preparation for tomorrow’s gathering.    If you have any immediate questions before the meeting, please do not hesitate to contact me, Sister Marie Therese, or Larry Rooney.   We look forward to coming together and continuing our shared mission with clarity, faith, and unity. Peace and Good,   Chris Burke, Head of School