Helias Catholic High School on Wednesday, June 5, officially broke ground on its Spirit of Excellence project to complete the school’s campus master plan.

The Spirit of Excellence project will bring all school facilities onto Helias Catholic’s central campus with a new performing arts center, baseball and softball complex, and addition to the existing Rackers Fieldhouse.

“As Helias Catholic has grown over the years — both in size and in what it offers to help students develop academically, spiritually, and personally — generations of school leaders and members of our community have advanced the vision for what our school can be,” Helias Catholic President Ron Vossen told community members gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking. “Now, standing underneath a part of our school building that didn’t exist 10 years ago and in view of what used to be fondly referred to as ‘the practice field,’ we’re standing where the new baseball/softball plaza will be, looking at what will be a changed landscape for likely the final time in our school’s history. …

“For anyone who knows the words to our school’s alma mater by heart, you understand what I mean when I say that we are truly marching onward together.”

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Abigail Flippin ’07 of The Architects Alliance and Jeff Wilson ’92 of Sircal Construction, both Helias Catholic alumni, discussed details of the project, which is expected to see visible construction work as soon as July and to be completed in summer 2026.

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight of the Diocese of Jefferson City closed the ceremony in prayer.

“The work we are beginning today should enliven our faith and make us grateful,” Bishop McKnight said. “Grant that the work we begin may serve to better our lives and, through Your goodness, contribute to the spread of the Kingdom of Christ.”

For more information and to support the Spirit of Excellence campaign, please click here to visit the Spirit of Excellence webpage or contact Helias Catholic President Ron Vossen at rvossen@heliascatholic.com or 573-635-6139.