Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School Principal to Lead New High School in Arizona

2016-03-22
: Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde announced today that Sr. Mary Jordan Hoover, O.P., founding principal of John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Dumfries, Va., will conclude her duties as principal in July 2016.

Earlier today, Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted announced that Sr. Mary Jordan will become the first principal of St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Avondale, Arizona, scheduled to open in the Fall of 2018.

"Sister Mary Jordan is a trailblazer," said Bishop Loverde. "She has served the Diocese of Arlington as founding principal of Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School since 2007, and has done so with profound faith, exemplary leadership, and humility. I join the students and parents of Saint John Paul the Great in echoing our gratitude for her service to our diocesan church." Sr. Mary Jordan Hoover, O.P., a sister of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia, was appointed the first principal of the school by Bishop Loverde in May, 2007.

The Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia are committed to remaining in the diocese and serving St. John Paul the Great. Mother Ann Marie Karlovic, O.P., Mother General, will propose a new principal to Bishop Loverde, who will then make the official appointment in the near future.

"Sister Mary Jordan has been outstanding in forming a strong Catholic high school," said Sr. Bernadette McManigal, Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. "Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School is flourishing because of her leadership. The Diocese of Phoenix will greatly benefit from her experience as she spearheads the opening of another Catholic high school."

"I am grateful to God, Bishop Loverde, and my superiors," said Sr. Mary Jordan, "for the opportunity to have served as the first principal of our great high school. Being part of the establishment of Saint John Paul the Great has been the high point for me as an educator. I'm proud of this place, its Catholic culture, our exceptional faculty, our friendly students, and our dedicated families. I wish to thank the John Paul community: parents, students, faculty, staff, and many, many friends. Together we have worked hard and built something great for God. I love Saint John Paul the Great and I love the people who are part of it."

To learn more about the Diocese of Phoenix high school which Sr. Mary Jordan will lead, visit http://dphx.org/dominican-sisters-st-cecilia-establish-presence-diocese-phoenix/

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