Located in Glen Carbon, Illinois, Father McGivney Catholic High School (FMCHS) began as an idea in 2005 when a dedicated group of parents, grandparents, pastors and faithful volunteers formed Catholic School 4 Me. Their primary goal was to create a faith-based, college preparatory experience for students in the Metro East. In 2008, the first capital campaign was held - the Give Me McGivney campaign. With $1.5 million raised, the Founders Board began planning for the new high school.
As they planned for the future high school, they believed:
Students should model the teachings of Jesus Christ through prayer, service, and evangelization and should be educated based upon the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
In collaborative and cooperative spirit being fostered between parents, the school and the community.
In serving others as Jesus Christ did, both as individuals and as a faith community.
In providing a learning environment that engages our students as active learners who accept the responsibility to achieve their greatest academic potentials.
In cultivating a supportive, healthy and challenging environment which recognizes the dignity, needs and diversity of all individuals.
The Administration, Faculty, Staff, Coaches and Parents will serve as role-models of Christ’s love by establishing and exhibiting an atmosphere of mutual respect.
The Opening of the School
In 2011, Father McGivney Catholic High School (FMCHS) was approved by the Bishop and the diocese to open in a dedicated wing of St. John Neumann Catholic School in Maryville, illinois. In 2012, FMCHS became a reality as the seventh and newest Catholic high school in the Springfield Diocese when it opened its doors to nineteen pioneering students. Through the tireless work and the charity and commitment of so many, the new and current building opened its doors in August 2015 as enrollment grew to 125 students. On August 30, 2015, a dedication ceremony was celebrated with Most Reverend Bishop Thomas Paprocki, and over 1,100 donors, supporters, students, and families. FMCHS continues to grow as enrollment topped 329 students in 2024.
Our School Since 2012
Father McGivney Catholic High School serves students in the southwestern Madison County in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, predominantly the following feeder schools: Holy Family in Granite City, St. Boniface in Edwardsville, St. Elizabeth in Granite City, St. John Neumann in Maryville, St. Mary’s in Edwardsville, St. Paul in Highland, and Sts. Peter & Paul in Collinsville. Together this is “Our School.”
Naming of the New High School
In choosing a name for our Catholic high school, the founders wanted to honor a person who was committed to the same values they hoped to instill in its graduates. The search for a person who dedicated his life to service, family, and youth led them to an American parish priest named Blessed Father Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus. He saw strong families as the foundation of his parish, the Church, and society at large. He was convinced that the Catholic laity played a unique role in influencing society and promoting the values of faith and service. As an inspiration for Catholic priests and founder of the Knights of Columbus, McGivney stood for everything we hoped to instill in our students.
Our Colors
McGivney’s colors are navy, gold and green. The color navy represents the school’s devotion to Mary, Mother of God. The color gold symbolizes the school’s commitment to excellence in Catholic education. Finally, the green represents the schools’ patron, Father Michael McGivney of Irish descent.
The Mascot - A GriffinWhat is a Griffin? With the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, the Griffin presents a menacing image while still staying true to its origins where it was carved on Catholic cathedrals as a sign of strength and protection. The Griffin, a union between a terrestrial beast and an aerial bird, is seen in Christendom to be a symbol of Jesus, who is both human and divine. The Griffin also denotes strength, courage and leadership, and often represents a guardian or protector.