Catholic Leaders Unite in Mission to Serve Fond du Lac Community
November 26, 2025
This article appears in the November Issue of Reflections and Connections
During the past year, the leaders of the Catholic organizations in Fond du Lac have come together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing their organizations and communities.
The leaders include Saint Mary’s Springs Academy President Stacey Akey, SSM Regional Vice President of Mission Integration Rosie Perez, SSM Vice President of Patient Care Tami Schattschneider, Holy Family Catholic Community Pastor Father Ryan Pruess, Marian University President Aaron Sadoff, and CSA General Superior Sister Sharon Pollnow.
The group met for the first time on Monday, January 20, 2025, and has continued to gather for several hours each quarter at rotating locations to renew their commitment to collaborate and unify efforts to advance their aligned missions.
President Sadoff had only been in his role for a few months when the gatherings began but has been very appreciative of them. “It’s inspiring to see the leaders of our community Catholic institutions come together in faith, purpose, and partnership. When we unite to share our resources, ideas, and hope, we strengthen not only our organizations but the heart of our entire community. I look forward to these gatherings, reaffirming our collective purpose to strengthen our community through love, caring and hard work.”
These gatherings reflect a shared understanding that collaboration is not only strategic but sacred—an act of faith in action. Together, the leaders recognize that while each ministry and organization carries its own unique charism, they also share many of the same strengths, challenges, and opportunities. By coming together, they are better equipped to respond to the needs of the broader community with unity, clarity, and compassion.
“When we as Catholic leaders in Fond du Lac join hands and hearts, our individual missions become a united ministry,” said Stacey Akey, President of St. Mary’s Springs Academy. “Through faith, shared purpose, and mutual support, we are better positioned to face challenges, embrace opportunities, and serve the needs of our community in a way that is stronger, more impactful, and deeply rooted in our Catholic values.”