Montini Catholic Announces New Principal
Barb Dawson • May 10, 2023

Congratulations to Mr. Chris Tiritilli!

On Friday, May 5th, Montini Catholic High School announced the appointment of Mr. Chris Tiritilli as the Lasallian college preparatory high school's new principal, effective July 1, 2023.  Mr. Tiritilli is the successor to Mr. Kevin Beirne, who was announced as Montini's new president in April after serving five years as principal. 


"We were looking for a leader who is dynamic, visionary, energetic, strives for excellence, embodies servant leadership, and is smart, resourceful, a seasoned decision maker, connects well with students, colleagues and all stakeholder groups, and lives our Lasallian mission," said Mr. Beirne in his letter to Montini's entire school community announcing Mr. Tiritilli's appointment. "It turns out we had to look no further than our current Assistant Principal for Student Services to identify a candidate ideally suited to this role!"


"Mr. Tiritilli joined Montini Catholic's leadership team in the summer of 2022 and has quickly and positively impacted our school," added Mr. Beirne. "In the short time he’s been in the Assistant Principal role, Mr. Tiritilli has completed a re-engineering of our student accommodation process and created an accommodation guide and stewarded a reimagining of the Human Services process such that the work of this group is more efficient and better equipped to meet student needs. He streamlined and standardized the course remediation program and led the design of new processes and procedures in our School Counseling Department. Due to his work, there’s no doubt that we are far better equipped to support our students than we were just a year ago. As important as this work has been though, Mr. Tiritilli has also proven to be a student centered leader, quickly getting to know our students and school community, embracing our mission and vision, and having an incredibly positive presence in our school."

Prior to his work at Montini, Mr. Tiritilli served as Principal at St. Mary of Gostyn School in Downers Grove for six years and Holy Family Catholic School in Bensenville for two years. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from DePaul University and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Lewis University. "His passion for Catholic Education and working with young people is evident to all those who’ve had the privilege of working with him," said Beirne. "As we look to the future, it’s clear that Mr. Tiritilli is just the right leader at just the right time for our students, faculty, staff, and families. He’s proven an ideal fit for the type of Catholic, Lasallian education that makes Montini such a unique experience, while also bringing a new and fresh perspective to all that we do."   

"I am very excited and proud to accept the Principal position at Montini Catholic," said Mr. Tiritilli. "I have enjoyed the current year and have been getting to know our students, staff and community. I feel that my first year here as well as my previous experiences as a building principal will help set me up for success in my first year as Principal of Montini Catholic."


​Although he enjoys working with students of all ages, Mr. Tiritilli acknowledges that his strengths and skill set has always been best equipped to support students in the secondary setting. ​"Building positive relationships with students, staff and families is one of my favorite things to do as well as the most effective way to support positive and transformative change in any setting. I have found that my natural personality and leadership style is best fit to develop these meaningful connections with students in the high school setting.​"​


​He embraces the challenges that are sure to come his way as the principal of a Lasallian college preparatory high school. "We will be seeking to support our new teachers and school staff, by exemplifying the high expectations we have for Montini staff members, while also providing them with the support they require to grow and develop as professional educators new to Montini. As much of a challenge as the above statement is, it is also something I look forward to and am excited about, as it helps us all identify the joy that has led us to our current roles at Montini, as well as helping spread that joy to others."


"​My first year here at Montini ​has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. I have truly enjoyed meeting and interacting with the students, staff and parents at our school. Each group has been so warm and welcoming to me as well, which has only affirmed my desire to be a part of the Montini community. I have been talking and listening to all of our stakeholder groups, seeking to understand the traditions and things we do well, as well as the areas for further growth and development. I now consider myself a full-fledged Bronco!​"​


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By Barb Dawson March 27, 2025
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By Barb Dawson March 26, 2025
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By Barb Dawson March 26, 2025
Montini Catholic students proudly embraced their diversity as a school during their annual Belongingness Week (March 24-28) at the Lasallian college preparatory high school in Lombard. The celebration, sponsored by the World Language Department and Theology Department - commenced with an Interfaith Prayer for Peace Service which welcomed Father Matt Nathan (St. Pius X Catholic Parish, Lombard), Pat Gibbs (Congregation Etz Chaim, Elmhurst), Imam Hisham Al Qaisi (Islamic Foundation, Villa Park), Pastor R. Keith Beauchamp (Hope Presbyterian Church, Wheaton) and Venerable Miaowei (Fo Guang Shan Chicago Buddhist Temple). The service was organized by Assistant Campus Minister, and World Religions teacher, Mrs. Kelly Davis, who welcomed students and speakers. "Today we gather in the spirit of unity, compassion, and hope. We are here from different faith traditions, yet united in our shared belief in peace, love, and the inherent dignity of every human being. In a world that often seems divided by differences, we stand together in the pursuit of a common goal: peace." Each year Mrs. Davis arranges educational and informative World Religions field trips with her students - this year they visited the Congregation Etz Chaim Synagogue in Elmhurst, the BAPS Hindu Temple in Bartlett and the Islamic Foundation Mosque in Villa Park. "Our goal is to provide opportunities for our students to learn and experience other cultures, races and religions. This can facilitate a better understanding of one's own beliefs and strengthen their faith." Each speaker enlightened Montini students in regards to their various practices and prayers promoting peace. "Let us take a moment to reflect on the unity we have shared in prayer, even though our faith traditions may differ," advised Principal Chris Tiritilli. "Through our words, thoughts, and intentions, we have come together as a community committed to peace, understanding, and respect. This gathering has been a reminder that while our beliefs may vary, our common desire for love, compassion, and justice binds us all as children of God." Principal Tiritlli expressed his hope that the prayer service experience would inspire Montini students to continue fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect at Montini and beyond. "As we go forward, may we remember that dialogue, understanding, and empathy are powerful tools in building bridges and healing divides. Let us carry this spirit of unity in our hearts and actions, ensuring that the light of faith guides us in our daily lives, leading us to a world of greater harmony and peace. Thank you for being part of this meaningful service today." Montini's Belongingness Week was conceptualized to promote a sense of inclusion, connection, and community among students and throughout the school. The purpose of this week is to enhance and emphasize an environment where each student feels known, accepted, valued and supported, regardless of their background, identity, or differences. Administrators and teachers provided several activities for the students to celebrate what makes them unique and special, as well as their different backgrounds, experiences and traditions. Image above: L to R: Montini President Kevin Beirne, Imam Hisham Al Qaisi, Father Matt Nathan, Kelly Davis, Pastor R. Keith Beauchamp, Pat Gibbs, Steve Volkening, Venerable Miaowei, and Principal Chris Tiritilli
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