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May 1, 2019

Sioux Falls Catholic Schools will now be known as Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

The new name reflects the broader reach the system has achieved. It now includes students from 20 communities.

“This name change will send a message to students and families from outside of Sioux Falls that we welcome all students interested in a quality, faith-based education,” system president Kyle Groos said in a statement.

“You don’t have to live in Sioux Falls to attend one of our schools.”

The system was formed in 1991 and serves approximately 2,600 students from 1,500 families. It includes six elementary schools for preschool through sixth grade, O’Gorman Junior High for grades seven and eight, and O’Gorman High School.

The name of the individual schools won’t change but will gain the tagline “Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.”

“We also feel this change will enhance our students’ and families’ understanding that they are part of a larger system,” Groos said.

“We are excited to be more inclusive in welcoming students from 20 different communities in the area and hope to welcome even more students from more communities in the years to come.”

The idea for a name change was vetted by multiple committees and approached by Bishop Paul Swain. The new name takes effect today.

Namesake Bishop Thomas O’Gorman was appointed the second bishop of South Dakota in 1896 and was later installed as bishop of Sioux Falls 100 years ago today. During his 25-year tenure, he increased the number of priests and Catholics in the dioceses, built numerous churches, schools and hospitals, and dedicated the Cathedral of St. Joseph 100 years ago.

Paul O’Gorman, a descendant of the bishop’s brother, is in Sioux Falls today to help make the announcement at O’Gorman Junior High.