Sisters offer blessing for new PCRHS President/CEO

It was his first trip to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and Greg VanSlambrook was enamored. He was hooked, captivated and in awe of what he witnessed.

“I’m really inspired by all of the history and the stories of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her companions,” Greg said following a tour of the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. “Their trust and faith …”

Less than one week ago, Greg began his new position as President and CEO of Providence Cristo Rey High School in Indianapolis.

He and Providence Cristo Rey Principal Beth Desalvo came to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to meet with the Sisters of Providence as well as soak in the scenery and more. Providence Cristo Rey is a sponsored institution of the Sisters of Providence which provides a faith-based multicultural educational experience.

The school model, created by Jesuits, includes classroom instruction and a work study program in Indianapolis area businesses for students from economically challenged families.

The Sisters of Providence current Vicar/General Treasurer, Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp, served as the first President of the school, which was officially established in 2005 and opened in 2007.

Seeing the Sites

Greg and Beth’s morning began with a tour of the Shrine, Blessed Sacrament Chapel and Log Cabin Chapel, hosted by Sisters Jan Craven and Paula Damiano.

Sister Paula Damiano (right) offering a tour of the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin for Beth Desalvo (front) and Greg VanSlambrook (back).

Then, they attended Mass with several Sisters of Providence and others. Just before the end of Mass, Father Terry Johnson offered a blessing for Greg as he and the staff at Providence Cristo Rey enter a new school year.

“May the Father whose loving Providence guides our way, bless you with wisdom, courage and hope,” Father Terry began. “May the Son, who calls us to lives of love, mercy and justice, strengthen you in your service to every student and every neighbor.

“May the Holy Spirit, who renews the face of the earth, inspire our shared mission so that together we honor the dignity of every person and the sacredness of all creation. And may Almighty God bless all of us, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Providence Cristo Rey High School President/CEO Greg VanSlambrook (center) displaying the plaque the school received from the Sisters of Providence along with (from left) school principal Beth Desalvo, General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, General Councilor Sister Anne Therese Falkenstein and Vicar/General Treasurer Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp.

After the blessing, the Sisters gifted Greg with a plaque which contained the Congregation’s Purpose, Mission and Vision Statements, which are as follows:

Purpose – The purpose of this Congregation is to honor Divine Providence and to further God’s loving plans by devoting itself to works of love, mercy and justice in service among God’s people,
Mission – The Sisters of Providence are a community of Catholic women religious who collaborate with others to create a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service and advocacy, and
Vision – We will co-create a world where every person’s dignity is honored and the sacredness of all creation is upheld.

More About Greg VanSlambrook

Greg is a native of Indianapolis and attended Carmel High School before attending the University of Notre Dame where he received a bachelor’s degrees in history and economics. He also has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Indiana University-Indianapolis and is nearing completion of a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership through Indiana University-Bloomington.

Greg began his teaching career in Maryland before returning to the Midwest to teach in Ohio. In 2004, he came back home to teach at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis. For the past 14 years, he has served as the school’s principal.

General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski (from left) with Greg VanSlambrook, Beth Desalvo, General Councilor Sister Anne Therese Falkenstein and Vicar/General Treasurer Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp at lunch in the Providence Hall Dining Room.

He will replace former Providence Cristo Rey President and CEO Tyler Mayer.

Following Mass, both Greg and Beth enjoyed lunch with many Sisters and others in the Providence Hall Dining Room, and their tour then continued with visits to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, Saint Anne Shell Chapel, White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, and of course, a visit with the alpacas!

During his visit at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Greg said Providence Cristo Rey’s Vision and Mission Statements echo the Sisters of Providence for a specific reason.

“The Sisters’ hearts are the lifeblood of this school,” he said. “Their mission flows through their hearts. We hope the school is able to carry out that mission on their behalf.”