O’Gorman, Avera enjoy decades-long synergy thanks to shared mission

This paid piece is sponsored by Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

“Too often the faith is compartmentalized into ‘this or that part’ of me, rather than encompassing the entirety of my life — both who I am and what I do. It’s a blessing when the work environment is itself a place where growth in holiness is not only tolerated but encouraged.” – Father Tony Klein, O’Gorman High School chaplain, Class of 2012

The similarities between the culture of Avera and Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools start at their shared roots — a mission of faith.

“Faith is integral to our culture at Avera. This starts with leaders making it a priority and leading by example,” said David Flicek, a member of the O’Gorman High School Class of 1981 who is now Avera Health’s chief operating officer.

At Avera, leaders are trained in mission formation, which helps them lead and further integrate mission throughout all modes of care delivery or business function.

It is very similar to the leadership training at Bishop O’Gorman: principals, directors and all staff attend Mass and guided prayer sessions and are encouraged to dig deeper into the virtues that make them who they are.

Each organization recognizes the unique faith journey the members of their community are on, allowing “our employees to feel safe to practice their faith at Avera,” Flicek said.

“This attracts a special kind of person that aligns well with our mission and vision.”  

Over the years, many O’Gorman High School graduates have started careers with Avera.

“We all provide environments to further develop in faith, while caring for mind, body and spirit.” Flicek continued.

Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools president Kyle Groos reminisced about a time he visited with an alumna who was employed with Avera and commented on her employment journey. She was seeking a mission and community similar to her educational experience within Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools. She specifically spoke about community, prayer and charity.

The partnership between Avera and Bishop O’Gorman is holistic and supports everything from health sciences, Health Occupations Students of America, extracurriculars and even collaboration on important topics like suicide prevention.

In 2024, Avera provided O’Gorman Junior High and O’Gorman High School with resources on suicide prevention for teens. These resources encouraged friends and staff to ask the question “Are you thinking about suicide?”  

The goal of Bishop O’Gorman is to continue to graduate mission-driven students who will go on their way leading with their faith and seeking opportunities that align with and support their faith.

“The partnership with Avera continues to allow our students the opportunity to learn more about the health ministry and the role Catholicism plays in the health care setting,” Groos said.

“Our students have the opportunity to experience a Catholic health care setting and the importance of all of the roles within it.”

Because of Avera’s size, it’s hard to know exact numbers, but “several distinguished physicians, clinical and administrative leaders, nurses and so many more are proud to be former Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools students,” Flicek said.

“I, myself, am a proud Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools graduate and personally attest to the strong faith foundation that was fostered in my very formative elementary education years. Being able to tap into the young minds who are on a similar faith journey is incredibly valuable to Avera.”

By partnering with another Catholic organization, “we are aligning our missions, strengthening our impact within the greater community and leveraging resources and people to do the work God has called each of us to do,” Groos added.

Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools promotes career exploration, and its partnership with Avera puts health care opportunities in the spotlight.

“We are enlightening students with what health care career paths are available, which is helpful in allowing students to begin to set their goals and exploring pathways for their future,” Groos said. “Our students are always amazed by the various career occupations that are available in the health care setting, and we are fortunate to showcase the mission of Avera along with the diversity of careers found within. Considering both of our organizations are ministries of the Catholic Church, there is harmony in collaboration and shared values.”

Interested in finding out more about Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools? Inquire today, and schedule a tour at one of our eight schools!