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After 25 years of faithful service and leadership to the Cristo Rey Network, Chair Emeritus and Chief Mission Officer, John P. Foley, SJ, made the announcement that he will be retiring in January. The Howley Foundation would like to recognize Father Foley for all his amazing contributions to this organization, whose mission is to strengthen the competence, confidence, and aspiration of students from economically-disadvantaged families and empowering them to build fulfilling live that advance the common good.

When Cristo Rey Jesuit High School opened under the leadership of John P. Foley, S.J. in 1996, it introduced a highly innovative integration of academic and professional experience to Catholic secondary education in the United States. The model had immediate appeal, first to Catholic educators across the country and soon after to prominent philanthropists committed to educational reform.

Through the talent and commitment of local communities and generous and enthusiastic support from philanthropic investors, the Cristo Rey Network has grown over the last 25 years from a single school in south Chicago to a national network of schools. During a period when traditional Catholic schools were shuttering their doors at an alarming rate, the Cristo Rey Network has grown into the largest network of high schools in the country that exclusively serves students with limited economic resources.

“At Cristo Rey, no one has ever taught you that you should be content with doing something small.”

To hear more of Father Foley’s magnetic and inspirational message, check out this video: