Catholic Education Foundation

Listen to One of the Youngest, Most Dynamic Head Coaches in All of College Football!!Growing up in Louisville’s St. Matthews neighborhood, Willgot the best it had to offer at both Holy Spirit School and Trinity High School Following his father’s playing days at UK, Will finally landed his owndream job as the new Head Football Coach of the Wildcats Learn how his Catholic journey has played such a rolein how he coaches and lives his non-stop life.Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Throughout His Success-filled Life, Coach Has Always Embraced the Catholic School Values that Define His Life, Career and Family. From his early days at St. Bernard School and Trinity High School, Jeff learned lots of lessons about team, hard work and accountability. Working daily to form young men of integrity and character, his love of coaching goes far beyond the gridironFor generations, football has been a family affair for the Brohms – learn why it’s such a fun and important family recipeRemember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!!

Meet One of Our Youngest Pastors and the New Leader of Our Youth Ministry!Influenced by his father as a young boy, Father Tony shares the signs along the way that led him to priesthood. Learn how his Catholic education helped ignite his passion for faith formation in our schools and the empowerment of our youth. In his youth ministry work, he’s a leading ambassador for family access to Catholic education across the Archdiocese of Louisville – What could be better!! Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!!

 Jack’s nearly life-long career in radio opened so many opportunities in his storied career Learn how his voice has impacted the lives of millions of people through a multitude of “Talking Books”. Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Learn About the Dant Family’s Return to the Bourbon Industry and their Roots in the Origin of the Catholic Church in Nelson County, Kentucky Learn about the proud family legacy that he carries forward as Founder of Log Still Distillery in Gethsemane, Kentucky! A man for others, Wally’s all about his Catholic faith and giving back to his community. Listen to how and why!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!!

Her Life is Intertwined with So Many Stories of Her Catholic Faith and Her Genuine Italian-American Family Body of the Email: Learn about a woman who’s still chasing the dreams she hadas a young girl – and whose heart looms large in all she does for so many others.Her award-winning works as an author, playwright, filmmaker and podcasterbring joy and hope to millions around the world!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!!

Meet Katie Rogers: Wife, Mother, Volunteer and Chief Administrative Officer at Norton Women’s and Children’s HospitalThroughout her life, Katie’s foundation in her Catholic education  and her Catholic faith have always been front and center.Experience her never-ending drive to be the best version of herself in the service of others.Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!!

Paul Humphrey Talks About Why the Gift of His Catholic Education Has Made All the Difference in His LifeLouisville’s Police Chief since 2024, Paul’s deep roots in Catholic education are the foundation of his exemplary community service careerLearn about how his passion to make people better is embedded in every aspect of his workRemember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!!

Sixteen Years of Catholic Education Helped Pave the Way to a Life of Leadership, Service and HumilityJohn’s ability to overcome setbacks and challenges is all about his Catholic faith, his family and his Catholic education Learn about how his success in life and career catapulted an amazing legacy of community investment and serviceRemember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!!

Learn How His Early Days at St. Agnes School and St. X High School Propelled Him to Become One of the NFL’s Best Offensive Linemen!!Will talks about his many life journeys, from Vanderbilt University to 13 NFL seasons to professional investment adviser All along the way, his Catholic faith, his Catholic education and his grit to be THE BEST make for an amazing success storyRemember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Ordained in June 2024, Father Michael Schultz now serves as the Associate Pastor at Louisville’s St. Albert the Great ParishDiscover the joy-filled life of a dynamic young priest who embraces God’s call to be a missionary!Listen to his story of early discernment and his great passion for Catholic education and evangelization among young people!!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!!

Coach Davenport’s Early Childhood in Louisville’s South End Launched Him to Greatness in his Life, Career and Family!Perhaps our best storyteller, Coach Davenport recounts every step of his storied life. So join us on this entertaining and heartfelt conversation about the true meaning of success in his life – you’ll LOVE IT!!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!!

LPX Group President Hunter Strickler Talks About How Catholic Education Changed His Life – Forever!Meet Hunter Strickler, the young leader of a large Louisville-based company, a husband, father and a man of faith. Learn how his St. X experience propelled him in every aspect of his life!!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Beginning in his high school days, Chris Ratterman caught the entrepreneurial bug and never shook it. Today, he is the founder and CEO of Shady Rays, a phenomenally successful online sunglass retailer.Learn about his Catholic education roots and how they propelled him in every aspect of his life!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Meet Greg Gitschier, now a Deacon at Louisville’s St. Patrick Parish, and listen to his life story as a police officer, Secret Service Agent, husband, father and true giver. Learn how his assignment to protect Pope John Paul II in 1999 completely changed his faith and his life!!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Meet Dr. Daryl Hagan, the Director of the Institute for the Transformation ofCatholic Education at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.Learn about his passion for expanding the impact of Catholic education in the U.S. and around the world!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Coach Pat Kelsey talks about his family, his faith and his Catholic education and how they have propelled his life! You just can’t help getting excited when Coach Kelseyramps it up – so come join in the fun!!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

LPX Group CEO Joe Dougherty is leading the largest capital campaign in the history ofThe Archdiocese of Louisville – find out why!Learn how this campaign will change the faceof Catholic education across central Kentucky – FOREVER!!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Jimmy Kirchdorfer, Chair and CEO of Louisville-based ISCO Industries, talks about his commitment to Catholic education and why it’s so important to our community. Get the inside scoop on what’s happening at Valhalla Golf Club and the exciting future professional golf events to be staged at this iconic venue!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Meet Bourbon Hall of Fame Inductee Wes Henderson and Learn About the Catholic Education Foundation’s Fourth Annual Bourbon Raffle – Our Best Ever!!Wes Henderson, famed creator of the Angel’s Envy brand, talks about his life and family and how they came together to produce such an amazing career run that isn’t stopping anytime soon!

Learn About How Her Life was Forever Changed by Her Days at St. Rita School and Assumption High School!Diane Gahafer, business executive and Catholic education advocate, talks about thegame-changing impact of more kids in Catholic schools. And how it positively shapes entire communities!Learn why Catholic school enrollments are rising across central Kentucky!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Reverend John Baptist Hoang, Chaplain for the University of Louisville, shares his journey that led him to the Dominican Friars and ultimately to campus ministry. And why it’s so important to the culture of the student body! Learn how the Gospel message is making an impact at U of L!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Dr. Mary Beth Bowling, Superintendent of Catholic Schools  for the Archdiocese of Louisville, shares the exciting story of the expanding impact of Catholic education.And why it will continue to grow going forward!!Learn about the great partnership between the Foundation and  Catholic schools – and how it’s changing the lives of more and more families!!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Learn About Amendment 2 to Kentucky’s Constitution and Why It’s Important to Families Meet Dr. Thomas Davis, Emergency Room Physician band School Choice advocate for Kentucky families Discover the truth – and the myths – about School ChoiceLearn about how the passage of this amendment to Kentucky’s Constitution will change the lives of thousands of families across the Commonwealth -FOREVER!!!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Meet Ja Hillebrand, Chair and Chief Executive Officer ofLouisville-based Stock Yards Bank, the Lead Sponsor ofthis year’s 17th annual celebration of the storied St. Xavier – Trinity high school football rivalry!Tigers vs. Rocks – Who you pulling for in 2024?Learn about how this single event catapults the futures of thousands of Catholic school families across the Archdiocese of Louisville!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

From St. James School to Trinity High School to Bellarmine University, Catholic education has transformed every facet of Joe’s life journey.Learn about his vision for the future of the Foundation and its expanding impact on people’s lives!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

The Foundation Visits with the Winner of Both the 2024 Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.Famed trainer Kenny McPeek tells his story from the beginning, fromcurious young boy to Owner/Operator of McPeek Racing.Learn about how he became only the fourth trainer in historyto win both the Oaks and the Derby in the same year!Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

This podcast will feature Father Mike Tobin, Pastor of St. Rita and St. Luke Parishes and the Archdiocesan Vicar for Hispanic Ministry, and Rich Lechleiter, President of the Catholic Education Foundation of Louisville. The primary focus of the conversation is to focus on our Church in South Louisville and the growing importance of the Hispanic Ministry across the Archdiocese.

Jay Lilly, bourbon enthusiast and industry expert joins us to discuss the Nation's best bourbon raffle. 

Major League Pitcher Brandon Pfaadt joins Foundation President Rich Lechleiter to talk about his exciting career journey!!Learn how Brandon’s family, his Catholic faith and his Catholic education all came together to inspire him to greatness.Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

Father Nate Wills, the recent keynote speaker at the 34th annual Salute to Catholic School Alumni dinner event in Louisville, joins Foundation President Rich Lechleiter to talk about the transformative works of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education. Learn how groups of recent Notre Dame graduates are sent across the country each year to teach in underserved Catholic schools and communities. Remember, for all our young students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

This podcast will feature Amy Fears, the new Principal at Saint Raphael School, along with Catholic Education Foundation President Rich Lechleiter. The primary focus of the conversation is the many ways that Catholic schools foster academic excellence, particularly through the use of standardized periodic testing (MAP Testing) of students as a tool to measuring progress in learning.

How Catholic Education Has Forever Changed a Young Man’s Life.Please Join Foundation President Rich Lechleiter and Saint XavierSenior Angelo Centeno as They Talk About Today’s Catholic School Journey.Learn about how this experience has transformed Angelo’s lifeand sent him in a bold and exciting new direction!!Remember, for all our young students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

There are Many Different Ways that You Can Help the Catholic Education Foundation Grow its Mission!Foundation President Rich Lechleiter talks to Kelly Taylor, Co-Founder ofLexington-based Trek AdvancementLearn about how you and your family can help the Foundation expandits impact through various tax-advantaged charitable giving optionsRemember, for all our young students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

The Catholic Education Foundation of Louisville and the CSAA – Together Transforming Young Lives Forever!!Foundation President Rich Lechleiter joins Rick Arnold,Executive Director of the Catholic Schools Athletic Association.Learn about how the Foundation and CSAA are partnering to makethe Catholic school experience even better for all our young students and their families.At the CSAA, “Everybody Plays!”And at the Catholic Education Foundation, “The Answer is Yes!”

This podcast will feature Sarah Weatherwax, the Executive Director of Louisville’s Community Catholic Center, along with Catholic Education Foundation President Rich Lechleiter. The primary focus of the conversation is the mission of the Community Catholic Center and its unique partnership with the Catholic Education Foundation.

This podcast will feature the President of Independence Bank, Louis Straub, the Lead Sponsor of the 16th annual Salute to THE GAME luncheon event, along with Catholic Education Foundation President Rich Lechleiter. The primary focus of the conversation is the Salute to THE GAME luncheon event, hosted by the Catholic Education Foundation each year in celebration of the storied St. X - Trinity football rivalry, and how Independence Bank plays a major role in what has evolved into the largest fundraising event of its kind across the Commonwealth. 

This podcast will feature Renee Doty, Principal of Pitt Academy, and Paula Watkins, Principal of Holy Trinity Clifton School, along with Catholic Education Foundation President Rich Lechleiter. The primary focus of the conversation is the unique mission of each school in the development of their students and families who have special needs.

The Catholic Education Foundation of Louisville and St. Vincent de Paul Louisville – Two Catholic Organizations Working to Improve the Lives of Others!Foundation President Rich Lechleiter visits with Dave Calzi, Executive Directorand CEO of St. Vincent de Paul Louisville Learn about the 365-day-a-year transformational works of St. Vincent de Paul  We think you’ll be surprised to learn about all the different ways this organization is making our community better!!

Foundation President Rich Lechleiter chats with Julie Perdue, Principal of St. Bernard School, and Gregg Boehmer, Principal of St. James School. Learn how these two great Catholic elementary schools are making their communities better and transforming hearts and minds forever!!

This podcast will feature Retired U. S. Army Colonel Blaine Hedges along with Catholic Education Foundation President Rich Lechleiter. 

Recent Salute to Catholic School Alumni honorees, Dr. Cindy Crabtree and Tom Perrone join us to talk catholic school and the salute to alumni dinner. 

Featuring Randy Bufford, Salute Dinner Event Chair and Founder of Trilogy Health Services This month’s podcast is all about the 33rd annual Salute to Catholic School Alumni dinner event set for March 8 at the Galt House Hotel. Learn more about how this hallmark community event has grown to become thelargest of its kind across the Commonwealth.Last year’s event posted an all-time fundraising record of an astounding $1.4 million.This year’s event aims even higher!!

 This month’s podcast is all about the celebration of Catholic Schools Weekand the life-changing journey of a Catholic education. Learn more about how the Office of Catholic Schools and the Catholic Education Foundation are working together to tell every family in need what they long to hear –“The Answer is Yes!”

The Dahlem Family has made a big impact on the works of the Foundation.Join us as Charlie Dahlem tells us why access to a Catholic educationis so important to their family. 

Learn about the amazing faith journey that brought Peter Bucalofrom a popular local radio personality to a Roman Catholic priest serving the Archdiocese of Louisville WOW!! You’ll see why he’s such an exceptional homilist and beloved parish leader!

Learn more about why athletics play such an important part in the Catholic school experience Long-time Coach Thom Wachtel and Jody Demling talk about their work in building all kinds of sports programs in Catholic elementary schools, including some new ones of which you may not be aware!

Join us and learn about how Tony’s Catholic faith and his Catholic education have defined his life, his family and his career.

Re-Connect with Phil McHugh, Co-Founder of the Salute to THE GAME Luncheon Event, as We Get Set to Kick Off the 15th Edition of this Hallmark Community Fundraising Event Celebrating the Storied St. X – Trinity Football Rivalry

Listen to Principal Terry Mullaney describe what makes Ascension School a Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon and, most recently, Green Ribbon School of Excellence!