Oblates Strengthen Commitment to Salesian Education
Fr. Alan Zobler, OSFS, welcomes students on the first day of school.
The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales have strengthened their commitment to Salesian education by establishing the role of chief mission officer at the three high schools where they minister. This new leadership position will help ensure that the Salesian Spirituality and the charism and legacy of the Oblates continue to shape each school’s culture, curriculum, and community life.
Oblate Fathers Michael Murray and Jonathan Dick with Salesianum students.
V. Rev Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, is Director of Salesian Mission & Identity at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia, PA. V. Rev. Michael S. Murray, OSFS, is Chief Mission Officer at Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE; and Rev. Alan Zobler, OSFS, is Chief Mission Officer for St. Francis de Sales School in Toledo, OH.
As the primary stewards of the Salesian mission, these men are key members of each school’s senior leadership team. Working closely with the president and other administrators, they will champion the Salesian mission and integrate the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales into school life. They will provide strategic leadership for mission-related initiatives and help ensure that institutional decisions reflect the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales and the charism of the Oblates.
The mission officers will oversee ongoing Salesian formation for trustees, faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and benefactors. Building upon the work of Oblates before them, the mission officers will support retreats, prayer, liturgy, and spiritual formation while providing pastoral guidance to the entire school community. They are committed to preserving the distinct identities and traditions of each school, firmly grounded in their shared Salesian heritage and commitment to forming Salesian gentlemen.
Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, is concluding his ministry as provincial. This fall, he will serve as the Director of Salesian Spirituality and Identity at Father Judge. In January, when the new provincial assumes leadership, Fr. Jack will be solely dedicated to his mission officer role. At Judge, he plans to enhance the Salesian leadership training programs that began under Fr. Vince Smith, OSFS. He looks forward to extending the Salesian identity of school retreats and service experiences. Fr. Jack is also overseeing the renovation of the school's chapel, using elements from the faculty house chapel where Oblates worshipped for over 60 years.
Fr. Alan Zobler, OSFS, is transitioning into this role while also teaching advanced calculus courses. His mission efforts include establishing Salesian norms for coaches and instructional staff and working with parents and families in sharing the tenets of Salesian Spirituality.
Oblate Fathers Jonathan Dick and Michael Murray at Salesianum School.
At Salesianum School, Fr. Michael Murray, OSFS, has spent his initial weeks observing all that is happening there: “I am impressed with how Salesian Spirituality is already part and parcel of the culture here. I am looking for ways to build on that and support that effort.”
Continuing the Oblate presence in the schools helps develop relationships with the students and staff as they share the gentle, humble charism of their patrons.
Each Oblate works to share the Salesian charism in his ministry. Having a role specifically assigned to mission and identity in the school supports all the Oblates in educational ministry and brings the Salesian schools together. “I look forward to creating synergies between the Salesian schools, where the young men can connect and interact through shared Salesian experiences,” said Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS.
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