In 2024, the Queen of Martyrs School community ranked their pastors among the top two schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago for their strong presence in the school community as indicated on the annual OCS Catholic Identity Survey.
Fr. Benedykt, Fr. Ritchie, and Fr. Bob were featured in the Archdiocese's Priest Corner in August highlighting the importance of connections between Parish and School Ministries. Their words of wisdom were shared with their fellow priests throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago.
We are blessed to have such amazing priests here at Queen of Martyrs School!
What does the Church say about the role of priests in Catholic schools? How can school ministry reinforce a priest’s role as “servant” and “shepherd”? Tips and Tricks from an Expert Priest TEAM
Christ unifies the Church (CCC, #820), and priests are agents of unity between Catholic schools and the parish community in all their pastoral roles as servant, shepherd, priest, prophet, and king. While principals are responsible for the overall success of their school, the best and most natural partner for collaboration are priests.
Through the joyful example of his own life and ministry, a priest lays the foundation for his school’s religious mission, culture, and connection to the universal Church.
In this month’s piece, Father Benedykt Pazdan, Father Ritchie Ortiz-Juárez, and Father Bob Tonelli at St. Gianna Parish and Queen of Martyrs School in Evergreen Park reflect on the theological aspects of a priest’s leadership and presence in his Catholic school. With the new school year just around the corner, Father Pazdan, Father Ortiz, and Father Tonelli offer some ways that priests can have a stronger, more meaningful presence in their school communities.
What does the Church say about the role of priests in Catholic schools?
Fr. Pazdan, Fr. Ortiz-Juárez, and Fr. Tonelli:
Priests are “first catechists” in the communities entrusted to them (Directory for Catechesis, #116). As such, it is incumbent on priests to ensure sound catechesis in Catholic educational programs. Make sure sound and positive understanding of the faith is the foundation for instruction and community culture. To achieve this, we as priests must teach by word and example, and it must come from our hearts.
Priests also support parents as “first teachers” of their children (CCC, #2223). At their child’s baptism, parents made a solemn promise to teach their child the tenets of the Catholic faith and lead them towards Christ through the sacraments of the Church. Catholic schools and priests assist parents with this promise they made to God and their child. A priest’s presence in his school can educate parents about the importance of faith practices. Keep in mind that if students know and like you, their parents will be receptive to you as well!
How can school ministry reinforce a priest’s role as “servant” and “shepherd”?
Fr. Pazdan, Fr. Ortiz-Juárez, and Fr. Tonelli:
Priests are “shepherds” in the evangelization, catechesis, and spiritual development of their entire community. Priests who are strong shepherds and servant leaders model to others how to love and serve Jesus Christ. This kind of leadership is rooted in a priest’s discipleship.
Priests can be a “servant” and “shepherd” through the ministry of teaching. Share your passions directly with kids in the classroom. Share your vocation story with students and help them understand how to listen and respond to God’s call in their own lives. Also, being a present at school isn’t just about being in the classroom. Priests can also be present to students and families in the school parking lot, cafeteria, and gym.
Overall, priests can never be too busy to be present in their school. We all know that weddings, funerals, parish unifications, fundraisers, etc. keep us busy. Even on busy days, we must make a point to simply walk the halls of the school to be seen, smile, wave, and say hello to the community as their leader.
What are some best practices for strong school presence that you can share with other priests?
Fr. Pazdan, Fr. Ortiz-Juárez, and Fr. Tonelli:
1. Develop a “theology of presence.” This is a real part of being a priest. If you’re present in church on Sundays, why not be present with kids at school during the week too? Spending time in school and church models the connection among all ministries of the community.
2. Develop strong principal relationships: It’s so important for priests to have a good, professional relationship with their principal. Goals for school improvement must be shared and communicated among everyone. Priests need to see and connect with their principal at least once a day.
3. Develop strong relationships with teachers: Teachers need guidance too! Develop good relationships with teachers and support them in their professional and personal lives. Be clear about our Catholic values, what we stand for, and how to practice our faith in the world today. This includes helping teachers understand how their modeling and instruction impacts students’ faith. All academic subjects touch God.
4. Share your “real” self: Playing, joking, sharing a meal, and enjoying company with students and teachers makes priests more relatable. Have a few “tricks” to share. For example, share a favorite recipe, play an instrument, talk about your family, tell some jokes…anything. Priests just don’t fall down from the sky as different from everyone else. Try to help students (and adults) in the school community discern ways to build a stronger relationship with God and Church by modeling the normalcy of this through your own life.
5. Don’t be afraid: Work on overcoming perceived taboos about priests being present with young people. Catholic schools can bring priests great joy! Sometimes priests have very tough days. Going to school and engaging with students who are smiling and laughing can turn your day around as you serve and shepherd people. Set clear boundaries and work with other adults to ensure everyone is safe.
6. Introduce school folks to new devotion and practices: At Queen of Martyrs School, our principal made it a priority for the school community to learn the Memorare and pray it every day in honor of the Blessed Mother who is the namesake of the school. Priests at our parish also led a Eucharistic procession for Corpus Christi with the school community. Teachers shared that they’ve never had that experience before, and passersby even stopped to pray. These are “teachable moments.” Evangelize and teach in public spaces with the school community at the helm. If we are serious about inviting young people and their families to regular weekend worship, priests must take young people and their leadership in the Church seriously as well.
7. Affirm the whole community: Praise the school community when you see them doing good things, supporting each other, and putting their faith into action. Encourage people and acknowledge their efforts to support and pray for each other during moments of both joy and challenge.
Why is any of this important?
St. Gianna Parish and Queen of Martyrs School has the blessing of three priest leaders who represent varying ages and cultures to the community. Priests in every community must work together to be involved in the life of their local school. Kids and schools can support priests just as much as priests support schools; it’s reciprocal. But, we need to initiate this relationship and open the door to positive partnership. We never know what kind of impact our presence has on people.
Father Benedykt Pazdan was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2006. A native of Poland, Fr. Pazdan was invited by Cardinal George to finish his seminary studies at USML and subsequently serve the Archdiocese of Chicago. Fr. Pazdan has served at St. John the Evangelist Parish and St. Edna Parish before being assigned pastor as St. Gianna Parish. In 2022, Fr. Pazdan participated in the University of Notre Dame’s ACE School Pastor Institute where he engaged with other pastors across the U.S. about Catholic school leadership.
Father Ritchie Ortiz-Juárez was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2021. Originally from California, Fr. Ortiz-Juárez studied at St. Joseph College Seminary at Loyola University Chicago. He served as a special education teacher before entering major seminary and committing his life to ordained ministry within the Church.
Father Bob Tonelli was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1972. He grew up in Chicago and loves both the Cubs and the White Sox! Over the years, Fr. Tonelli has served at St. Thomas Becket, St. Peter’s in Antioch, St. Theresa in Palatine, and St. John the Evangelist Parishes. He also ministered at Holy Trinity in the Medical Center in Chicago.