Catholic high schools in New Ulm diocese share in $63,000 blessing

It has been told that the best way to invest is in the next generation and the late Father Jerry Hillesheim took that to heart.

Father Hillesheim, a priest of the Diocese of New Ulm, died of cancer in April of 2002.

In his will, Father Hillesheim left $63,000 to the Diocese of New Ulm to be used for high school students who reside and attend a Catholic high school in the diocese.

It was determined that each of the three high schools in the New Ulm diocese will receive $2,100 annually for 10 years to use in the Tuition Assistance Programs for high school students. Additional monies were also left by Fr. Hillesheim to Cathedral High School in New Ulm and Holy Trinity High School in Winsted, the two high schools where he taught.

Fr. Hillesheim’s hometown is Sleepy Eye, MN. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of New Ulm on March 9, 1968 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, by Bishop Alphonse J. Schladweiler.

Having been a teacher, Fr. Hillesheim had an inside view of the school’s relationship with the life of the students and the life of the parish. "He had an unending dedication when it came to promoting and supporting the Catholic schools of the New Ulm diocese," stated Sr. Betty Larson, Director of Schools for the Diocese of New Ulm.

Thank you, Father Hillesheim! May others be inspired by your generosity.