DHS Charisms Officially Recognized by Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski

Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski visited Duchesne High School on September 15 for a special all-school Mass to mark a landmark moment in the school’s history: the official affirmation of Duchesne’s new charisms.

Drawn from the life and example of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, the four charisms of Prayer, Missionary Discipleship, Community, and Pioneer Spirit were chosen to serve as foundational pillars of formation for the Pioneer community, inspiring current and future generations of students and families.

During the liturgy, Archbishop Rozanski formally signed the charisms statement, concluding a 13-month review process involving the Catholic Identity Committee, the Archdiocese, and the Duchesne Board.

For Ann Tollefson ’76, a committee member and longtime advocate for honoring St. Rose Philippine Duchesne’s legacy at the school, the day represented far more than completing an approval process.

“We experienced a foundational moment in Duchesne High School history on September 15 when the Archbishop approved our charisms,” Tollefson said.

School leaders noted that Archbishop Rozanski’s presence made the occasion especially memorable.

“What a blessing to have Archbishop Rozanski on campus celebrating our All-School Mass prior to approving our Duchesne Charisms,” said Duchesne President Paul Boschert ’77. “His homily was perfect and his presence was very well received. We are deeply appreciative of his time at Duchesne High School.”

Mike Deluvia ’13, chair of the Catholic Identity Committee, echoed that sentiment, highlighting how the Archbishop connected with the message of the newly adopted pillars.

“It was wonderful to have the Archbishop celebrate Mass and join us for the official adoption,” Deluvia said. “He preached on the charisms as if he was the one who chose them! I’m proud of our students and campus ministry team for their reverent worship, and I’m excited for our students to be formed in these ideals. I think they can be the foundations of a holy and happy life.”

That formation is already well underway. The four pillars have been introduced at the Freshman Family Mass, incorporated into Theology classes, featured in parent communications and the Pioneer Press, and integrated into Thursday Communio periods. A charism emblem now stands outside the chapel, providing a constant visual anchor at the heart of the school.

Moving forward, Campus Minister Mike Fitzgerald is drafting supporting framework points for each charism with input from faculty, which will be submitted to the Catholic Identity Committee for review later this year.

A dedicated team worked behind the scenes to prepare the liturgy and signing ceremony, supported by school leadership, faculty, the choir, and the Catholic Identity Committee. Communications efforts also included launching a new charism emblem and related visual media.

Together, these efforts are helping transition the charisms from an official statement into the everyday culture of Duchesne. They will soon provide the community a shared language for values that have long defined its spirit.

The celebration concluded on a lighter note following the ceremony, when Archbishop Rozanski was presented with a gift from the school: his own Duchesne sweatshirt for the upcoming winter. It was a fitting end to a day that tied together the school's heritage, Catholic identity, and future path.

 

Find more information on our Charisms webpage.