Nestled on the corner of Acacia Avenue in Fullerton, St. Juliana Falconieri is more than just a landmark; it is a spiritual home for hundreds of families and a premier center for Catholic education. Ensuring that this community remains vibrant, sustainable, and forward-thinking is a massive undertaking—one led by our Director of Advancement, Curtis Wesseln.
But what does “Advancement” look like in a parish setting? It’s a role that combines strategy, storytelling, and a deep commitment to the Falconieri spirit.
Building the Bridge to Tomorrow
The primary mission of the Advancement Office is to ensure that St. Juliana has the resources necessary to provide a top-tier education and a thriving parish life. Curtis focuses on several key pillars:
- Relationship Building: At St. Juliana, we are a family. Curtis works tirelessly to maintain connections with current parents, parishioners, and our vast network of alumni. By fostering these bonds, he ensures the “Falconieri Pride” stays strong long after graduation.
- The Annual Fund & Fundraising: From the legendary Fall Festival to the school’s annual giving campaigns, Curtis oversees the initiatives that fund everything from classroom technology upgrades to campus safety improvements.
- Strategic Enrollment: Catholic education is a gift, and Curtis helps share that gift with the wider Fullerton community. He works to ensure that new families feel welcomed and understand the lifelong value of a St. Juliana education.
- Legacy & Stewardship: Whether it’s managing scholarships or overseeing capital improvements for the church and school grounds, his work ensures that we are good stewards of the gifts we receive.
More Than a Job—A Mission
For Curtis, Advancement isn’t just about spreadsheets or donor lists; it’s about people. Every dollar raised and every event planned serves a higher purpose: creating an environment where students can encounter Christ and excel academically.
His work allows our teachers to focus on instruction and our priests to focus on ministry, knowing that the “business” of the parish is being handled with professional care and spiritual integrity.
Get Involved
The success of St. Juliana is a collective effort. Whether you are a “Trojan” alum from decades ago or a new parishioner, Curtis is your point of contact for making an impact.
“Advancement is the art of inviting people into a mission they believe in.”
Next time you see Curtis at the Fall Festival or after Sunday Mass, stop by and say hello. He’s always ready to discuss how we can work together to keep St. Juliana Falconieri a beacon of faith in Fullerton for years to come.