St. Mary Catholic Schools (SMCS) recently welcomed Eric Rudd as director of ministry.

In his role, Rudd develops faith formation, ministry, worship and service opportunities throughout the school community and inspires students to nurture their faith and live as dynamic disciples of Christ. He collaborates with SMCS leadership and staff to integrate Catholic identity throughout the school community, curriculum and student experience. He also partners with local supporting parishes to connect students, families and the larger community to spiritual, ministry and service opportunities.

“I’m so excited to be joining the SMCS community. I’m looking forward to developing new and creative ways to bring the faith to the youth in our system,” Rudd said.

SMCS strives to further grow students’ knowledge and practice of the Catholic faith through regular celebration of Mass and sacraments, daily prayer, retreats and service learning, while also being a welcoming, inclusive and values-based community with nearly 30 percent of students coming from other faith traditions or backgrounds.

Prior to joining SMCS, Eric spent nearly three years in faith formation and young adult ministry roles, most recently with St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church in Oshkosh. Rudd graduated with his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Conception Seminary College in Missouri in 2017, as well as completed studies at Creighton University Institute for Priestly Formation, San José Priory (Guatemala) Spanish Immersion Program and the University of Wisconsin — Oshkosh. He also spent a year as a missionary with Spiritus Ministries based in Menasha. Rudd is a 2011 graduate of Lourdes Academy in Oshkosh.

“I have a passion for both Catholic schools and parish ministry, as a former Catholic school student and a former parish employee. My new position as director of ministry at SMCS enables me to work in the best of both of these worlds,” Rudd said.