New Chaplain Appointed At Saint Thomas Academy

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN — Bernard Hebda, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, has appointed Father Mark Pavlak to be chaplain of Saint Thomas Academy, effective June 13.

In addition to working with faculty and staff to fulfill the Academy’s mission, Pavlak will lead the school’s sacristan committee, eucharist adorations, sacraments of reconciliation and all masses.

“As one of the four pillars of Saint Thomas Academy, our Catholic identity is central to daily life at the Academy,” Headmaster Matthew Mohs said in a statement. “Our chaplain plays an important role in the way we live out that Catholic identity every day, the faith formation and character development of our boys, and the overall spiritual life of our community.”

Pavlak currently serves as parochial vicar at both the Church of Saint John Neumann in Eagan, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in West St. Paul, according to a news release.

Pavlak received his master’s degree from Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity, and his bachelor’s degree in Catholic studies and economics from the University of St. Thomas.

“It is a real joy for me to be the chaplain of Saint Thomas Academy, and I am very grateful to Archbishop Hebda for this assignment,” Pavlak said. “There is a deep tradition here of forming young men to be disciples of Jesus Christ and men of Christian virtue. I look forward to carrying on that tradition.”

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