Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
With gratitude to God and great hope for the future of Catholic education in our local Church, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Deacon Michael McGinty as the next Director of Catholic Education and Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, effective July 2026.
Deacon McGinty brings more than three decades of leadership experience across Catholic education, ministry, and organizational leadership. He currently serves as Head of School at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School in Edina, where he has led a thriving PK-8 community with a strong focus on Catholic identity, academic excellence, enrollment vitality, and operational sustainability. He had previously distinguished himself in his service as the Archdiocese’s Associate Director of Catholic School Operations, supporting pastors, principals, and school communities throughout times of transition and growth.
Throughout the search process conducted over the last few months, we sought a leader of deep faith, pastoral wisdom, operational excellence, and a profound commitment to the evangelizing mission of Catholic education. We have found all those attributes in Deacon McGinty. He has consistently demonstrated that he is a servant leader who understands that Catholic schools and parish catechetical programs are not simply institutions, but essential ministries of the Church that help young people encounter Jesus Christ and grow in holiness, wisdom, and truth.
As an ordained deacon of the Archdiocese, Deacon McGinty approaches this role not merely as an administrator, but as a ministry in service to the Church. He articulates a compelling vision for faith formation and Catholic identity in our schools and parish catechetical programs. He has consistently shared his belief that Catholic education must “develop the mind, the heart, and the soul” and work in partnership with parents to form students spiritually, academically, socially, and morally. He understands that the responsibility of Catholic education extends far beyond academic achievement; it is about forming saints, renewing families, strengthening parishes, and preparing young people to live lives of Christian witness and service.
Given the importance of Catholic education in the life of the Church, Deacon McGinty will be reporting directly to me on all educational matters and to the Archdiocesan Chief Operating Officer for matters in the operational realm.
I am deeply grateful to the Most Reverend Michael Izen for chairing the Search Committee and for guiding the process with wisdom, prayerfulness, and care for the mission of Catholic education across the Archdiocese.
I also extend my sincere thanks to the dedicated members of the Search Committee, whose generosity of time, thoughtful discernment, and commitment to Catholic
education helped identify an outstanding leader for this important ministry:
• Mr. Jason Adkins, Executive Director, Minnesota Catholic Conference;
• Rev. Leonard Andrie, Pastor, St. Therese, Deephaven;
• Mr. Ricky Austin, President, Aim Higher Foundation;
• Sr. Maria Ivana Begovic, OP, Principal, St. Croix Catholic School;
• Prof. John Boyle, Chair, Department of Catholic Studies;
• Mr. Patrick Felicetta, President, DeLaSalle High School;
• Mr. Corey Manning, Archdiocesan Executive Director of Discipleship and Evangelization;
• Mr. Doug Milroy, longtime collaborator with the Office for the Mission of Catholic Education;
• Ms. Karen Rauenhorst, past NCEA Board Member, Founding Board President of the Aim Higher Foundation and former Chair of the Catholic Services Appeal Foundation;
• Ms. Estela Villagran Manancero, Director, Office of Latino Ministry
I remain indebted, moreover, to the many pastors, principals, teachers, archdiocesan staff, parents, and faithful throughout the Archdiocese who, with a sincere love for Catholic education, generously offered feedback throughout the search process as well as their prayers and encouragement. Finally, I offer my gratitude to the team at Partners in Mission Search Solutions for their partnership and guidance throughout this national search.
Please join me in congratulating Deacon McGinty and in praying for him as he begins this new ministry of leadership and service to the Church. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and strengthen him as he helps lead our Catholic schools and catechetical programs in forming young people who know, love, and follow Jesus Christ.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda
Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
