Le Mars Gehlen breaks ground for new school addition

A groundbreaking ceremony on April 1 for a new school addition at Gehlen Catholic School in Le Mars affirmed that the legacy of Catholic education is alive and well in the community.

Following a school Mass at St. Joseph Church in Le Mars, hundreds of students from Gehlen Catholic School gathered north of the elementary building for the Legacy Campaign Groundbreaking Ceremony.

In opening comments, Dr. Amanda Anderson, president of Gehlen Catholic, said, “It is especially meaningful to share that exactly one year ago we officially kicked off the Legacy Campaign with the Steier Group and in that time we have come so far through dedication, generosity and a shared vision, what once began as a dream is now becoming a reality.”

She pointed out that thanks to the generosity of supporters, the campaign had already made tremendous progress and had raised $9.25 million so far.

Dr. Amanda Anderson, president of Gehlen Catholic Schools in Le Mars, addresses the crowd.

“Today, we are thrilled to share some exciting news – a generous $800,000 has been gifted to us from the Diocese of Sioux City and has officially brought our campaign total to more than $10 million,” said Dr. Anderson. “This extraordinary contribution reflects the diocese’s strong commitment to Catholic education and to the future of Gehlen Catholic. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Bishop John Keehner and to all those from the diocese for their leadership, support and belief in our mission.”

The news was met with cheers from the crowd.

Bishop John E. Keehner, bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, presided at Mass and blessed the ground where the new seven-classroom addition with multi-purpose room and elementary art room will be built.

The bishop extended gratitude to those gathered for their strong support of Catholic schools in particular for Gehlen Catholic. He offered thanks especially to all of the parents, donors, teachers, staff and priests and all those whose work, devotion and sacrifice have made this day possible.

“This is truly a joyful occasion for us as we break ground for these new classrooms,” said Bishop Keehner. “For over 70 years Gehlen Catholic has been serving this community with the good formation of Catholic education. With God’s help and your continued support, Gehlen will be serving our children several more generations into the future preparing them for their vocations with the faithful, hospitable and truly Catholic education.”

He asked those gathered to join with him in prayer for the success of the project, for the safety of its workers and for all the students who will learn in the spaces.

“The work we are beginning today should enliven our faith and make us grateful,” said Bishop Keehner.

Father Doug Klein, pastor of All Saints Parish in Le Mars, read Scripture from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians that spoke of the need to build on a solid foundation.

“Brothers and sisters, let us ask God our all-powerful father that the work we begin today will contribute to the building up of his kingdom and join us to faith and love to Christ, who is the cornerstone,” he said.

Todd Ellensohn, school board president, said the groundbreaking ceremony not only represented an investment in facilities but in the faith, Catholic education and the generations of students who will walk the halls for years to come.

“We are honored by the presence of so many who made this day possible,” he said, recognizing the bishop, campaign chairs, school board, campaign committee, various donors and more. “Rooted in proud tradition and guided by shared vision, this effort reflects the strength and commitment of the community that believes deeply in the mission of Catholic education.”

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Father Doug Klein holds the shovel that he used to break ground, which was used in 1952 when Gehlen High School was built.

fter the bishop blessed the ground with holy water, Dr. Anderson invited those participating in the groundbreaking ceremony forward to take the shovels and don hardhats.

“The shovel with the red handle will be used by Father Klein. This red shovel was used during the Gehlen High groundbreaking on June 1 of 1952,” explained the president. 

Once the soil was broken and turned, she said they were reminded that what began today was about more than just a building – it was about the future and a bold vision for the students of Gehlen.

“It’s an exciting time for our students who will benefit from new opportunities to learn, to serve and deepen their relationship with Christ,” said Dr. Anderson. “Throughout this campaign, we have been guided by the words of Proverbs 22:6 – ‘Train the young in the way they should go, even when old they will not swerve from it.’ This verse reminds us why we do this work and underscores the lasting impact the faith-filled education has on each and every student.”

She pointed out the two signs bearing the names of students and noted the boards would beStudents signed poster boards that will be placed within the walls of the new addition. placed within the walls of the building – “a powerful reminder that this project is and will always be about them, the students who are the heart of Gehlen Catholic.”

The groundbreaking concluded with prayer and a final blessing from Bishop Keehner.

After the ceremony, Dr. Anderson called it a historic moment in the life of Gehlen Catholic.

“We are confident that God laid the first foundation for Gehlen so many years ago and now we are just adding to the strong foundation for both the students we have right now and those to come in the future,” she said.

Dirt work started on April 2 and they will jump into heavier work on April 6.
Dr. Anderson noted they hope to have the construction completed in time to be in the new addition for the start of the 2027 school year.

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Breaking ground for new addition at Gehlen Catholic School in Le Mars.