CONVERT

Receiving Communion was another very beautiful feeling.”

Noting Scripture such as the Parable of the Sower, Father Eckert says, “I am so proud of the fertile soil we have here at Sacred Heart that has made Kevin’s desire to draw closer to God possible. He is an impressive young man of virtue and faith, and I am honored to be a part of his story.”

Thompson adds, “I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Kevin because it took a great deal of courage, selfdetermination and faith relying on God to help him make that journey. He took advantage of the grace that was given to him.”

Today, Kevin says his parents are at peace with his conversion and are happy to see the young man he has become through his devotion to the Catholic faith. His two younger siblings currently attend Sacred Heart, and Kevin starts his freshman year this fall at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he will be studying computer science.

In his first few months as a Catholic, he notes that he’s praying every day and reading more about the Bible because he doesn’t want to “stay in the same spot forever.”

His advice for those who are interested in becoming Catholic: Don’t rush the process.

“Make sure you know why you’re doing it and make sure you are ready for it, but not because your friend told you to get baptized. This process is between you and God,” he says. “You have to make sure you’re ready to be disciplined, mature and willing to take responsibility for your actions by going to church, praying, and

Director of Advancement and Communications

Position open September 2023

spreading the Gospel to the world.”

That’s the Great Commission, and with God’s grace, Kevin is ready.

St. Michael School announces Jacob Nolan as new headmaster for 2023-’24 school year

GASTONIA — Jacob Nolan of Billerica, Massachusetts, has been named headmaster at St. Michael School. Nolan has served for the past two years as assistant principal of Lumen Verum Academy in the Archdiocese of Boston. He obtained a master’s of theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. In 2022, Nolan successfully completed the Institute of Catholic Liberal Education’s Aspiring School Leaders program. “His passion for the Catholic Liberal Arts, combined with his years of classroom teaching and leadership qualities, will inaugurate an exciting new chapter in the history of our parish school,” said Father Lucas Rossi, pastor of St. Michael Parish. “I entered the field of education because I greatly desired to share with students the ‘pearl of great price’ I had discovered: the incredible joy and freedom of a life lived with Jesus Christ,” Nolan said. “I am thrilled to be joining St. Michael Catholic School as headmaster.”

Lifelong Catholics, Nolan and his wife, Megan, have two sons, Ambrose and Augustine.

— Catholic News Herald

Responsibilities:

Provides leadership and management of the Advancement Office and is responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive advancement program to generate gifts from alumni, parents, parents of alumni, grandparents, and friends of Bishop McGuinness. Also provides direction and guidance to the head of school and advisory board and is responsible directly to the head of school. This is a 12-month, exempt position that requires occasional evening and weekend hours.

Qualifications:

• A strong belief in Catholic education and support of the mission of the school

• Bachelor’s degree and experience in fundraising/advancement/donor relations (5+ years)

• High level of organization, excellent communication skills, enthusiastic/dynamic personality

• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and interact with a variety of constituents

• Knowledge of database management, professional code of ethical conduct in maintaining standards of competence and confidentiality

• Willingness to grow professionally

Email letter of interest, resumé, and 3-5 professional references to: Dr. Jared M. Rashford, Head of School, at jrashford@bmhs.us

References will be contacted only for finalist candidates. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated in the order received.

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School’s primary mission is to develop students holistically and equip them to live and serve in a complex world in need of peace, love, and justice.