Aquinas-Landmark-Winter-2021

Like our previous campus ministers, Jodi will continue to work with students on fostering their faith, however, her role goes far beyond that. She will be responsible for the development and execution of programs that ensure and strengthen the active, intentional living of Aquinas’ Catholic mission, Belief Statements, Profile of a Graduate, Aquinas motto, and the Charisms of both the Basilian Fathers and the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Jodi will also provide opportunities to integrate faith, education, service, and justice that aligns with the Aquinas mission and Catholic tradition. Principal Ted Mancini ‘88 is excited for what this role will bring to Aquinas. “It’s about deliberately being a Catholic school, deliberately being a Basilian school, and how we are physically living our mission as a school,” he said. “This role is more focused on the mission, and the ministry and evangelization for our entire community, offering a much stronger connection for everyone. This becomes increasingly important as we get more students, families, teachers, and staff who have no prior connection to Aquinas or a Catholic school before coming here.” As a graduate of St. John Fisher College, Jodi was already well acquainted with the Basilian Fathers and the Sisters of St. Joseph. In fact, it was her time at St. John Fisher that inspired her to become Catholic. “I converted when I was in college,” said Jodi. “Through my religious studies courses I became interested, started learning more, and decided that I wanted to be Catholic. It was a conscious decision.” With a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and a masters degree in theological studies from St. Bernards School of Theology and Ministry, Jodi went on to become the Director of Pastoral Services and Lifelong Faith Formation at St. Kateri in 2013, which is a position she held until she took on her new role at Aquinas. She credits Father Paul English, CSB, longtime pastor at St. Kateri and current Aquinas Board member, as one of her biggest mentors. “Working with the students and the peer ministers at Aquinas this year has been wonderful,” said Jodi. “There is already a really strong sense of family and community here, but I’m looking forward to building on that and helping people get excited to learn about the Catholic faith, what that means, and why we value it so much.” New to AQ: Director of Mission & Ministry 11 When we think of new faces at Aquinas, we typically think of students, however, we were happy to introduce Mrs. Jodi Schott to our school community at the beginning of the current academic year. Not only was she new to the faculty, but she was taking on the new role of Director of Mission andMinistry.