Office of Mission

October 29, 2018

Last week, in celebration of Founder's Day, Cotter students, faculty and staff traveled to St. Mary's Cemetery here in Winona to the gravesites of Bishop Joseph Cotter (1st Bishop of the Diocese of Winona, 1889-1909) and Bishop Patrick Heffron (second Bishop of the Diocese of Winona, 1910-1927). We told the story of these two faith-filled, visionary leaders who believed in Catholic education and planned for the future by building several Catholic schools in the diocese, including Cotter High School. 

Upon the opening of Cotter High School in 1911, Bishop Heffron spoke eloquently of the purpose and ideals of our school:

"It will be the purpose of Cotter Schools to place before its pupils the highest ideals of citizenship and to teach the virtues that are essential to the realization of those ideals. A good citizen must be a person of honor, honesty, truth, courage, and integrity. Make a difference in the lives of others. Live in peace and harmony with your fellow citizens."

Let us pray for the grace to continue in the footsteps of Bishops Cotter and Heffron - seeking always to become persons of honor, honesty, truth, courage, and integrity - working to make a difference in the lives of others - and living in peace and harmony with each other.

"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.  

And let perpetual light shine upon them.

 May they rest in peace.  Amen.

  May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen."

St. Joseph, patron of Cotter Schools - pray for us.

Live, Jesus, in our hearts - forever.

Blessings on your day!  

Be Kind - Help Others - Be Caring - Listen 

Be Organized -  Be a Leader - Communicate 

Cooperate - Show Pride - Be Prepared - Love Learning 

Be Self-Reliant - Collaborate - Persevere - Go Beyond