In 2018, the Sisters of the Holy Names - recognizing their declining numbers – made a bold decision to create what is now known as Holy Names Educational Ministries (HNEM) to sustain their schools and other educational ministries into the future. They rejoiced in the approval granted by the Vatican on December 8, 2022, and HNEM was established.
The purpose of HNEM is to carry out the Sisters’ vision for education and to continue their mission and core values in the eight educational ministries they founded, led, and nurtured for many years.
A special transition ritual was held at Academy of the Holy Names during its Board of Trustees meeting on March 24, 2025.
About HNEM
HNEM is the sponsoring entity for ministries begun by the Sisters of the Holy Names. HNEM is led by a committed group of lay leaders and Sisters who strongly believe in their ministries and want to do their part to ensure their viable mission-focused future. Watch this video to learn more.
What does this mean for AHN?
The transition allows for the continuation of SNJM ministries to be officially recognized as Catholic institutions and for talented lay men and women to join the Sisters in the sponsorship responsibilities previously reserved to the Sisters only.
AHN will continue to operate as the Capital Region’s only all-girls, private, independent Catholic school and will maintain the SNJM Spirit and Core Values well into the future.
HNEM-sponsored Ministries
Academy of the Holy Names – Albany, New York
Academy of the Holy Names – Tampa, Florida
Holy Names Academy – Seattle, Washington
Holy Names High School – Oakland, California
Holy Names Music Center – Spokane, Washington
Next Step Learning Center – Oakland, California
Ramona Convent Secondary School – Alhambra, California
St. Mary’s Academy – Portland, Oregon