Every semester, in an effort to increase religious literacy, Montini Catholic's World Religions class visits several houses of worship. On Friday, March 14th the students visited Congregation Etz Chaim Synagogue in Lombard, BAPS Hindu Temple in Bartlett (photo attached) and the Islamic Foundation in Villa Park. Accompanied by Theology teacher and Assistant Campus Minister, Kelly Davis, the students enjoyed their tours of each location. "We were able to learn more about the religions and experience their prayer firsthand," said Davis. "It was a great opportunity to really see other people's religious ideas, beliefs and practices. Engaging in perspectives and traditions of other religions helps us to make connections to our own faith," she said. "By gaining an understanding of what others believe we can appreciate the differences, but also come to realize the similarities we have." Next week, students will take part in an Interfaith Prayer Service during Belongingness Week at the college preparatory high school. Montini Catholic's Theology Department exists to help students arrive at a mature, living, and vital faith. The Theology program integrates the message of the Gospel of Jesus with the lifestyle of Montini students, communicates the significance of this message and gives students the tools to make the Gospel of Jesus a living reality in today's world.

Montini Catholic Girls Varsity Basketball celebrated their 5th IHSA State Championship (March 8th) with their classmates on Wednesday, March 12th at a 'celebration rally' held in their honor. The 2025 Montini Broncos came out extremely strong this season while facing tough opponents and having one of the most difficult schedules in the state according to Coach Shannon (Herold) Spanos '99 - starting their season competing in the Willowbrook Thanksgiving Tournament and celebrating a 3rd Place finish in the GCAC Conference. The team recognized three All-Conference selections, seniors Peyton Farrell, Lily Spanos and Nikki Kerstein. In their road to the final four, the girls continued their command by winning the Regional title for the 21st year in a row by defeating Elmwood Park. They went on to win the Sectional title, defeating Trinity High School and Depaul Prep and grabbed the Super sectional game by six points against Grayslake Central. Montini then headed to Illinois State to participate in the 3A State Finals at Red Bird Arena, capturing the IHSA State championship trophy with a win over St. Ignatius and triumphantly ending their season 27-10 . . . and with a 3A State Championship trophy! At the rally, fans were treated to a 'State Championship Game recap video' and Coach Spanos recognized each team member, thanking them, their parents and Montini fans for a historic season. Most Notable Individual Accolades of the 24/25 Season: The IBCA recognized Nikki Kerstein (IBCA All-State 1 st Team) Peyton Farrell (IBCA All-State 2 nd Team and Lily Spanos (IBCA All-State Honorable Mention) Nikki Kerstein reached 2,195 career point this season (1st in program history). Nikki was nominated for Gatorade Player of the Year and Ms. Illinois Basketball Academic Accolade: The varsity rostered players have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Image above - Front row: Kaelyn Zumdahl '28 (Plainfield), Audrey Kinney '25 (Glen Ellyn), Natalie Gartlan '25 (Downers Grove), Nikki Kerstein '25 (Naperville), Lily Spanos '25 (Glen Ellyn), Juliana Neustadt '26 (Lombard), Miley Brunski '26 (Wheaton); Second row: Peggy Pacelli '28 (Downers Grove), Anne Paciga '28 (Villa Park), Ava Lombardi '26 (Lisle), Cedona Barrett '27 (Woodridge), Brooke D'Amico '27 (Lombard), Sophia Maquet '27 (Downers Grove), Lauren Mellish '26 (Downers Grove) and Peyton Farrell '25 (Downers Grove)