Faith Formation
Faith is the first of our “Ledger Way” core values and has root in all aspects of our student development. SMSA is unique by developing students spiritually, along with intellectually and physically. Protected and guided by our Patroness, Mary of the Immaculate Conception, SMSA seeks to follow her model of humility, obedience, and charity.
Catholic education is unique in its mission to form the whole human person...
…mind, heart, body, and soul. By honing their God-given gifts, our students leave SMSA ready to make significant contributions to the common good and the renewal of society.
I am thankful to have grown up in a wonderful family, as the oldest of six children. I have three brothers and two sisters. I spent most of my childhood growing up in Waterford, but between 6th and 10th grade we lived in Pewaukee, and I attended Trinity Academy. We moved back to Waterford when I was in 11th grade, and I graduated from Catholic Central High School in Burlington.
My parents raised my siblings and me in the faith, and I’m so grateful for their example and prayers. When it came time to consider a college, I chose Ave Maria University for its Catholicity, (and because it was in Florida!). After school, I worked in sales in Waukesha & New Berlin for three years, and then entered St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee in 2018.
During my time in seminary, I enjoyed coming to discover the beauty of the Catholic Church, and growing in relationship with our Lord. Some highlights from seminary were helping start a seminary basketball tournament and seeing it grow to 14 teams from all over the country.
I am so grateful to be a priest, and to be a part of the Springs. This is a wonderful and holy place, filled with outstanding people. I am humbled and excited to bring Christ’s presence to campus and to follow Him alongside you.
Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us!
Yours in Christ,
– Fr. Durand, Priest Designate of SMSA
Explore Faith Formation
Unleashed by Faith
St. Mary’s Springs Academy is animated and elevated by our Catholic Faith. The Truth of Jesus Christ as revealed through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition permeates through all that we do.
Campus Ministry
Outside of regular religion and theology classes, students have access to many faith development opportunities offered through the SMSA Campus Ministry Department.
Servant Leadership
“Rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves.” Lk 22:26 Jesus Christ, the greatest of leaders, lays out the perfect leadership paradigm.
Our Lady of the Ledge
The Chapel of St. Mary: Our Lady of the Ledge is the center of St. Mary’s Springs Academy. With the dedication of this chapel, Jesus Christ Himself, in the Eucharist, was brought to reside at the SMSA campus.
Blessing of Holy Water
Holy water used at St. Mary's Springs Academy is taken directly from the natural spring that flows through our campus. Watch, as Fr. John Mitchell, sanctified a collection of spring water into holy water.Chapel of St. Mary Reservation Form
The Saint Mary’s Springs Academy Chapel, dedicated to Saint Mary: Our Lady of the Ledge, is now available to be reserved for special occasions.
We are happy to welcome all alumni who are interested in utilizing our school chapel space to celebrate Mass!
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"Let us thank...
…all those who teach in Catholic schools. Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life.”
– Pope Francis