One of three breakout rooms
Science classroom with 24 lab stations
State of the art HVAC system
Entrance to the St Genevieve Quilting Room
Boys Bathroom
Girls bathroom before sheet rock
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a painful time of separation that necessitated, for a short while, suspension of public Masses and the dispensation from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass. Nonetheless, since May 2020, Minnesota’s bishops have made available the public celebration of Mass to those who wished to attend. Parishes have done an amazing job creating safe spaces for worship and the sacraments during the past year.
Now, as the pandemic subsides, and public gathering restrictions and safety protocols are lifted, it is time to gather as the Body of Christ once again. Therefore, the bishops and diocesan administrators of the Minnesota Catholic Conference have decided to reinstate the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation beginning the weekend of July 3-4, 2021.
Why is attending Mass in-person so important?
St. John Chrysostom reminds us, “You cannot pray at home as at church, where there is a great multitude, where exclamations are cried out to God as from one great heart, and where there is something more: the union of minds, the accord of souls, the bond of charity, the prayers of the priests” (CCC 2179).
Attending the in-person celebration of Sunday Mass and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist are vital to our lives as Catholic Christians. We were created for Communion. Whether you are returning to your home parish, or seeking a local parish on vacation, your participation in the Mass unites you with the Church — the Body of Christ. This communion transforms us as persons and enables us to make manifest the Kingdom of God in our world. The celebration of the Eucharist truly is the source and summit of our faith.
Pope Francis, in his homily on the Feast of Corpus Christi in 2018, said, “Jesus prepares a place for us here below, because the Eucharist is the beating heart of the Church. It gives her birth and rebirth; it gathers her together and gives her strength. But the Eucharist also prepares for us a place on high, in eternity, for it is the Bread of heaven.”
Does this mean there will no longer be any dispensation from the Sunday and Holy Day obligations?
Although the general dispensation will no longer be available, the Church has always recognized that certain circumstances can excuse a person from the requirement to observe the obligation. Persons are excused from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays or Holy Days under the following circumstances:
You have reason to believe your health would be significantly compromised if you were to contract a communicable illness (i.e., you have underlying conditions or are in a high-risk category).
You exhibit flu-like symptoms.
You have good reason to think you might be asymptomatic of a contagious illness (e.g., you were in recent contact with someone who tested positive for a contagious illness such as COVID or influenza).
You care for the sick, homebound, or infirmed.
You are pregnant or you are 65 years of age or older (per the CDC’s recommendation for high-risk individuals).
You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own (e.g., no Mass is offered; you are infirm; or, while wanting to go, you are prevented for some reason you cannot control, such as your ride did not show up).
You have significant fear or anxiety of becoming ill by being at Mass.
If situations 1 through 3 apply to you, prudent concern for your neighbor should lead you to stay home. If you fall within situations 4-7, please exercise good judgment, consider the common good, and know you would not be held to the obligation of attending Mass. For further questions about the application of any of these situations, please contact your pastor. These categories will be reviewed in due course and revised as needed.
Those within the categories enumerated above must still observe the Lord’s Day and are encouraged to spend time in prayer on Sunday, meditating on the Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection; an excellent way to do this is by praying the Liturgy of the Hours and participating in a broadcast/livestream of the Sunday Mass.
More information, answers to frequently asked questions, and a portal to each diocese’s protocols can be found at the website backtomassmn.org.
The return of our faith family to Mass is a joyous occasion. With that in mind, we also encourage the faithful to post on social media about their return-to-Mass worship experiences using the hashtag #backtomassmn. Wherever you may be, welcome home!
Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda, Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Most Rev. Andrew H. Cozzens, Auxiliary Bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop of Winona-Rochester
Most Rev. Donald J. Kettler, Bishop of St. Cloud
Most Rev. Daniel J. Felton, Bishop of Duluth
Most Rev. Richard E. Pates, Apostolic Administrator of Crookston
Very Rev. Douglas L. Grams, Diocesan Administrator of New Ulm
Congratulations to Saint John’s Students who Received the Sacrament of Confirmation This Sunday!
Mackenna Tyann Cecilia Barth
Jackson Lee Sebastian Ceplecha
Olivia Grace Cecilia Christensen
Mark Robert Hubertus Ferber
Avery Geneva Veronica Gregor
Marcus Laudie Sebastian Karsky
Nathan Thomas Francis Kes
Gavin William Anthony Lloyd
Kaitlyn Marie Cecilia Mahoney
Grace Elizabeth Joan Miller
Augusta Shae Sarah Murray
Wyatt Thomas Michael Naylor
Benjamin Charles Aloysius Ohmes
Thomas Kurt Hubert Plechaty
Emily Claire of Assisi Reinhart
James Richard Robert Ringsmuth
Olivia Jordan Barbara Rohr
Jordan Mae Cecilia Rosado
Carter James Anthony Runge
Mack Michael Sebastian Schmidt
Nick Michael Genesius Schmit
Tyler Charles Francis Sherette
Brooke Skye Margaret Vohnoutka
Ava Marie Elizabeth Weber
Alison Kay Elizabeth Weber
Nicklaus Robert Francis Weedman
Congratulations to Vladik Becker who made a Profession of Faith on May 4th
Rosemary Donaldson, lifelong resident of Jordan, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2021 at the age of 87.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (104 First Street West) in Jordan. A Funeral Mass is Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (313 2nd Street East) in Jordan. Father Neil Bakker will preside. Rosemary will be laid to rest with her beloved husband at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan.
On August 20, 1933, Rosemary Theresa Nelson was born to parents, Reissnor and Rose (Schmitt) Nelson. Rosemary was one of ten children, and she loved growing up in Jordan. She attended St. John’s Catholic School through the 8th grade and then began working to help support her family. Rosemary enjoyed babysitting and providing daycare to local children. She loved children and babies, and she always had the special touch with them.
As a young woman, Rosemary met the love of her life, Wilbert Donaldson. Their love blossomed, and the two exchanged wedding vows at St. John’s Catholic Church in 1955. Their marriage was blessed with a wonderful daughter, Patty.
While Patty was young, both Wilbert and Rosemary worked outside the home. Rosemary spent several years at Mudbaden. She also worked in housekeeping at Valley View. Over the years, Rosemary also provided daycare for local families.
In 1973, Wilbert died suddenly. This was devastating for Rosemary, but she had a strong faith and supportive family that helped her through this difficult time. As a single mother, Rosemary worked very hard to provide a good life for her daughter.
Eventually, the family began to grow when Patty married Jim Stang, and they had three sons. Rosemary loved being a grandma. Matt, Chris & Joe brought so much joy into her life. And once the great-grandkids came, there was even more love to go around. Rosemary was always available to babysit or lend a helping hand.
Family was the most important thing in Rosemary’s life, but she had other interests too. She enjoyed walking around town, playing cards and spending time with her animals. Over the years she’s had dogs, cats, hamsters and birds. All of the family pets loved Rosemary because of her kind heart, and because she was quick to share table scraps. Rosemary was a talented artist and always kept her hands busy. She was skilled in needlework and enjoyed painting ceramics. Rosemary also loved doing puzzles and playing Bingo. She was usually very quiet and soft spoken, but she always seemed to find her voice to exclaim BINGO!
Rosemary was a kind, loving and caring woman. She never had much, but she was always so generous with what she did have. She set a wonderful example for her family and showed the endless love.
She is survived by her daughter, Patty (Jim) Stang; grandsons, Matt Stang, Chris Stang, Joe (Amanda) Stang; great-grandchildren, Amy, Nick, Shelby, Autumn Rose; siblings, Mary Ann Hagg, Robert Nelson, Sheldon Nelson and Darryl Nelson; other loving relatives, in-laws, nieces & nephews, dear friends, many wonderful neighbors from the Schule Haus, and her beloved cats, Buttercup & Snowball.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert Donaldson; parents, Reissnor & Rose Nelson; siblings, Dorothy Nelson, Roger Nelson, Ted Nelson, Don Nelson and Eileen Nelson.
We are excited to welcome Archbishop Hebda to our parish this coming Sunday, June 2, 2021 at 2:00 pm to confirm 27 of our kids! Since we have so many families, this is a closed event so that they have the Church to themselves and their families, however you can join in by watching online via our live stream link below.
Eileen Hoy, a lifelong resident of Jordan, passed away peacefully in her home on May 22, 2021 at the age of 78. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (104 First Street West) in Jordan. A Funeral Mass is Friday, May 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at St. John the Baptist Catholic (313 Second Street East) in Jordan. Father Neil Bakker will preside, and Eileen’s grandchildren will act as pallbearers. Eileen will be laid to rest with her husband at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan.
On February 26, 1943, Eileen Elizabeth Deusterman was born in Jordan. She was raised by her mother Johanna and had two siblings, Ronald and Mary Lou. As a girl, Eileen always ran with a fun crowd and made many lifelong friends in school. Eileen loved going out with her friends and was involved in many extracurricular activities at school.
After graduating from Jordan High School in 1961, Eileen moved to a girl’s club in Minneapolis where she lived with another young woman. It was during this time that Eileen met the love of her life through mutual friends. Jerry and Eileen hit it off immediately. Their love blossomed quickly, and the two exchanged wedding vows on August 25, 1962 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. Jerry and Eileen were blessed with four wonderful children, Jackie, Sandy, Julie and Dave. They initially lived in Minneapolis before moving back to Eileen’s hometown to raise their family.
Eileen spent most of her life as a homemaker. She was a wonderful wife and mother. Eileen always taught her kids about the importance of family and a strong faith. As a family, the Hoys enjoyed camping together. Later when the kids were grown, Jerry and Eileen loved their annual trips to Poskin Resort in Wisconsin where they enjoyed fishing and spending time with friends.
Throughout her life, Eileen was very active in the church and extremely social in the community. She acted as President and Vice President of the JCCW for many years. Eileen also served on the Liturgy Committee, was a member of the Catholic Aid Association and helped with the funeral luncheon committee at St. John’s.
The most important things in Eileen’s life were her faith and family. She absolutely loved spending time with the grandkids. She babysat them whenever needed and was always in attendance at their school events. She never missed a graduation, birthday party or wedding. It was very fitting that Eileen’s last days were spent surrounded by her family.
Eileen was a vivacious woman who always spoke her mind. She will be remembered as a faithful and loyal friend. Eileen is survived by her children, Jackie (Mark) Wolf, Sandy (Brad) Quatmann, Julie Hoy and Dave (Michelle) Hoy; grandchildren, Matt (Shawn) Wolf, Megan (Zach King) Wolf, Jon Wolf, Christopher (Kayli Shutrop) Quatmann, Abby Quatmann, Justin Hoy, Garrett (Haylee Michaud) Hoy; great-grandchildren, Everett Wolf and Calvin Quatmann; sister-in-law, Bev Deusterman; other loving relatives and many dear friends.
Eileen was proceeded in death by her husband, Jerry Hoy; mother, Johanna Deusterman; siblings, Ronald Deusterman and Mary Lou (Allen) Schmeig.
On May 13, the Centers for Disease Control stated, “Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws.” Consequently, on May 14, the Governor issued Order 21-23, curtailing the earlier mask mandate; but it did not change social distance guidelines.
Face masks.
Effective immediately at Saint John the Baptist, those fully vaccinated are not at significant risk for contracting or spreading the coronavirus and need no longer wear face masks. Those not vaccinated are safer if they continue to wear face masks, but Governor Walz indicates it would have been untenable to retain the mask mandate for unvaccinated people, which would have created a vaccine passport situation. Even so, individuals who are more comfortable wearing a face mask may continue doing so.
We know the CDC & Governor Walz's decision comes with emotions in our community and so to try and accommodate those who may feel apprehensive about coming back to Mass where people will be unmasked, we will be making the balcony open only to those who would like to sit apart from other who may or may not be wearing a mask in Church. In the coming weeks, as things warm up, we will be able to have the windows open to bring in more fresh air as well, which will help with increased ventilation.
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Original Memo
The following guidelines are taken directly from the Archdiocese memo dated 5/12/2021 to All Parishes on "Updated Liturgical Guidelines in Light of “Safely Sunsetting”
On May 6, 2021, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 21-21, subtitled “Safely Sunsetting COVID-19 Public Health Restrictions.” As the pandemic winds down (hence the subtitle), the State is transitioning to a new normal that begins to approximate life before the pandemic. The Order relaxes social distance restrictions in three phases: before May 28; between May 28 and July 1; and after July 1, 2021.
Obligation to Attend Mass
The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation continues to be suspended. The bishops of Minnesota will in due time reinstate the obligation, and will communicate this to all the faithful. Accommodations for those with fragile health, as well as those caring for them, will also be articulated. The Office of Communications is preparing materials to assist parishes to catechize the faithful on the importance of attending Mass in person and welcoming everyone back to church.
Ongoing General Safety Protocols
If you are sick, stay at home. Please take care of yourself, and do your part to protect others from becoming infected.
Vulnerable persons and those caring for them should stay safe. Attend nonobligatory gatherings only to the extent that you (and those you care for) judge the risk of infection to be low.
Sanitization is effective. Regularly washing hands with soap and water and using hand sanitizer helps avoid both contracting and spreading infection.
Social Distance for Faith Services/Ceremonies, Receptions, or Gatherings
Before May 28: Indoors - Six feet of separation is required between households. Up to 10 persons may be seated at one table/in one pew.
After May 28: Indoors - There is no requirement to keep social distance.
(We will be removing the every-other-pew signs and people will be able to sit where they want)
Size of Gatherings
After May 28: Indoors - No limit.
Wearing Facemasks at Faith Services/Ceremonies and Non-worship Gatherings
Before May 28: Indoors - Required.
Between May 28 – July 1: Indoors - Required
After July 1 (sooner, if 70% of Minnesotans are vaccinated) - No longer required anywhere.
Funeral Visitations and Luncheons, Wedding Receptions, Coffee and Donuts
After May 28, parishes may allow these events without restricting how many, how closely, or how long people interact. Even so, until July 1, facemasks are still required by the Governor’s Order.
This year we will be celebrating the extended Pentecost Vigil at Saint John the Baptist, on Saturday, May 22 starting at 5:00pm. This will include additional readings and psalms and will be a longer Mass than usual.
Little-Known Pentecost Vigil Mass Is a Hidden Gem of the Catholic Liturgy
The Pentecost vigil includes an extended number of readings and texts that reflect on, in particular, the Resurrection, Ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit — and on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.
That the celebration of even one Mass has infinite value is a keystone teaching of the Church regarding its liturgy.
For Father Dennis Gill, the rector and pastor of the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, the director of the Office of Divine Worship for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and a professor of sacred liturgy at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, there is one Mass in particular that also holds infinite value for him — the extended form of the vigil of Pentecost. He hopes that others in the Church will also discover the richness of this Mass.
As things stand now, though, Father Gill is one of only a relative handful of priests in the United States celebrating this form. He has been celebrating this little-known-but-powerful liturgy since 2016. This year he will be celebrating it the evening of June 8 at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral.
With a history that stretches back to the early Church, this more elaborate form of the Pentecost vigil Mass celebrates the same mystery of the Holy Spirit coming upon the apostles to institute the Church that the simple form of the vigil and the Mass for Pentecost Sunday celebrate. As part of the concluding celebration of Easter, it also harks back to the first Mass of the Easter season — the Easter vigil Mass.
Like this “mother of all vigils,” as St. Augustine referred to Easter vigil, the Pentecost vigil includes an extended number of readings and texts that reflect a particular aspect of the Paschal mystery (the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ and the descent of the Holy Spirit) — in this case, focusing on the last of these and more generally on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.
Unlike the Easter vigil, which typically also celebrates baptism and confirmation, the Pentecost vigil places no special emphasis on the sacraments other than the Eucharist. But Father Gill noted that the Pentecost vigil would be a fitting opportunity to celebrate confirmation “because this sacrament has, as one of its unique gifts, the outpouring of the Spirit.”
Also unlike the Easter vigil, which is to be celebrated only between the hours after sunset and before sunrise, the Pentecost vigil Mass can be celebrated any time during the day — although it is preferably celebrated in the evening, much like, yet distinct from, a typical Saturday Mass of anticipation.
But if the extended form of the Pentecost vigil Mass hasn’t quite met with universal acclaim, it’s not from a lack of trying on the part of the Church in the United States.
For their part, the U.S. bishops have promoted the Mass, including taking steps to facilitate its celebration, and Father Gill encourages anyone and everyone in the Church to participate in this unique celebration of the Third Person of the Holy Trinity.
Cathedral Celebration
Father Gill first began to celebrate the extended form of the Pentecost vigil when he was appointed rector of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in 2016 “because the cathedral is the mother church of the archdiocese and should set the example for each parish in the archdiocese.”
Beginning with that first celebration four years ago, “several hundred” faithful have attended each year, Father Gill reported, “and we also invite the charismatic community in the archdiocese to be present. It is a beautiful, reverent, joyful celebration of Pentecost.”
For the faithful who have been attending the Pentecost vigil at the cathedral, Father Gill told the Register, the celebration is an opportunity to see the fullness of the Easter season with its completion.
“For those who come to it, there is a more profound understanding of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit with Pentecost,” he said. “Part of that has to do with the preaching — I try to give an effective homily based on the text and the mystery. We also celebrate the Mass bilingually, in English and Spanish, and I think that also gives a sense of the mission of the Church and the unity of the Church.”
Father Gill acknowledged that the Pentecost vigil is not widely known, and therefore not widely celebrated, in the United States. In his capacity as the director of the Office of Divine Worship for the archdiocese, Father Gill sends out a letter every year before Pentecost, encouraging parishes to celebrate this seemingly hidden treasure of the Church’s liturgy.
“But it hasn’t really taken off yet,” he admitted.
More here: https://www.ncregister.com/features/little-known-pentecost-vigil-mass-is-a-hidden-gem-of-the-catholic-liturgy
We are in need of a part-time school bus driver for the upcoming 2021/2022 school year. They will drive a route up to Chaska in the morning and afternoons, and possibly all the way up to Victoria. Some of the requirements for the position are:
Background Check - Applicant must conduct a criminal history and driver's license record check of the applicant
Physical Examination - We have a parishioner who can help the applicant obtain a physical certificate.
Regular & Random Drug Testing
CDL Type C license
To inquire about this position, please call Jonathan Brandtner in the parish office at 952-492-2640 or email at pba@sjbjordan.org.
Placidus Henry “PH” Wick, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at Ridgeview Medical Center, in Waconia, MN.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 30 at 11 am, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 Second Street East, Jordan. Guests may arrive after 10:30 am. Guests will immediately be seated or may join by visiting sjbjordan.org and clicking on the live stream tab. Father Neil Bakker will preside. The Jordan Vets Honor Guard will provide military honors. PH will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in his memory, by the family.
Lawrence and Annie (VonBank) Wick announced the birth of PH on February 4, 1933, born on the family farm in Sand Creek Township. Named after Saint Placidus, he was the oldest of four sons. PH attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School through the eighth grade. He then returned to the farm to assist his parents and other area farmers. He enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country. He was a member of the New Prague American Legion.
After the service, PH followed in his parent’s footsteps and purchased a farm in the St. Joe area. A year later, he married Annella “Nellie” Pauline Hennen, on May 3, 1958 at St. Mary of the Purification in Marystown, MN. It was on this farm, they raised 2 sons, Jeff and Vern and 4 daughters, Annette, Lu, Laur and Colleen. Together, the family worked hard on the farm. PH and Nellie instilled a strong work ethic and strong Catholic faith in their children. When time allowed, he and Nellie enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, dancing, playing cards, and bowling in their younger years. After PH and Nellie retired from the farm, they enjoyed time spent at their cabin, playing cards and bus tours with friends.
PH was gifted and creative, he loved to tinker and could fix or make anything. He was devoted and active in his faith, especially to praying the rosary, daily mass and his devotion hour. PH’s biggest passion was his family and enjoyed being a grandpa and great grandpa. The grandchildren and great grandchildren brought PH so much joy.
PH greeted you with a big smile, a great sense of humor and a lot of one-liners. He was strong, compassionate, and loving. PH was hardworking, ambitious and the first one to lend a helping hand. Now his legacy lives on in sons, Jeff (Mary) Wick, Vern (Becky) Wick; daughters, Annette (Steve) Chlan, Lu (John) Tupy, Laur (Fritz) Smisek, Colleen (Dean) Bergerson; 22 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brothers, Leon (Katie) Wick, Julian (Rochelle) Wick; other relatives and friends.
Placidus was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nellie; parents, Lawrence and Annie Wick; and brother, Vernon Wick.
Dolores Gertrude (Eischens) Wagner passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 18th, 2021. She was born October 8th, 1925, in New Prague, the 9th of 12 children of John and Mary Eischens. She grew up on the family farm, where she recalled milking cows in the morning before attending a country grade school where her teacher was also her sister. Following high school graduation she completed her education at Saint Catherine's School of Nursing in Saint Paul, becoming a registered nurse. She went on to work in the Pediatrics Department of Saint Mary's Hospital, Minneapolis.
On April 23rd, 1949, she was united in marriage to Herbert R. (Hippy) Wagner at Saint Benedict's church and together they raised ten children over 67 years of marriage before Hippy’s death in 2016.
Dolores was known for her warm smile, gentle touch, award-winning sewing, homemade baked goods, especially kolaches, and her enormous vegetable gardens from which she created bountiful family meals each day. Most of all she is remembered for an enduring love of faith and family. Over a long and productive life, she encountered losses and obstacles, but persevered through prayer, hope, and a depth of resiliency. Her joyful spirit always prevailed. To know Dolores was to love her.
She was a tremendous support of the family businesses including Wagner's Supper Club and Jim’s Apple Farm/ Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store. She worked at the candy store well into her 90’s, enjoying time spent packing candy and happily visiting with her small circle of family and friends.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by sons Thomas (2010), John (2012); daughter Anne Sanquini (2020), and grandson Edward Zbaracki (1981).
She is also preceded by siblings John, Mike, Cecelia, Alfred (Fritz), Mayme, Alice, Frances, Adeline, Dorothy and Richard.
Dolores will be greatly missed by children Mary (W. Zbaracki), Joseph, James, Robert, Anthony, William, and Gerald; and grandchildren Clayton, Christine, Elizabeth, Sophia, Theodore, David, and Joseph. Seven great grandchildren and a sister, Beatrice Leenay, also survive her.
In keeping with Covid guidelines, a private family funeral will be at Saint John the Baptist church, Jordan, Minnesota, on April 28, 2021.
Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan is thrilled to announce Chris Smith as its new principal. Mr. Smith comes to Saint John’s with a wealth of experience and love of Catholic education. Prior to joining Saint John’s he was the principal at Faithful Shepherd Catholic School in Eagan, the Principal at Holy Spirit Catholic School in Rochester, and Assistant Principal at Saint Mary’s School in Owatonna. Mr. Smith Graduated from the University of Saint Thomas with a degree in History and Secondary Social Studies Education, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Education from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and most recently in 2016 a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame. Mr. Smith’s stated mission is “seeking to be an enthusiastic servant leader in a Christ-centered environment that challenges its members to know, love, and serve God to advance the common good.”
In reflecting on his responsibility as a Catholic school leader, Mr. Smith has this to say: “It is my responsibility as a Catholic school leader to create an environment where students, families, and staff can grow to deeply know God by intensifying their knowledge about and relationship with God. Catholic schools provide the opportunity for students, families, and staff to explore scripture and learn the Tradition and teachings of the faith in a way that allows them to use what they have learned to make decisions about major life events as well as everyday living situations. Catholic schools have the opportunity to show that they are willing to lead the Church through this time of change and growth. It is my mission as a Catholic school leader to assist students, families, and staff to recognize and develop their gifts to deeply know, humbly serve, and passionately love God and their neighbor so that the love of Christ may be known throughout the world.”
Mr. Smith and his wife Lynn have three children (Grace, Emma, Joey), two of whom are college graduates and one who is a senior in high school.