‘Son of archdiocese’ a fatherly school presence

Referred to as the “son of our archdiocese” by Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Coadjutor Bishop Joseph Williams has remained deeply connected to his Catholic education at Saint Croix Catholic School in Stillwater, Minn., where he attended classes from kindergarten through eighth grade.

“He is a spiritual father to the school community,” said Sister Maria Ivana, OP, school principal.

Bishop Williams, whose nieces and nephews are either current students or alumni of Saint Croix, has maintained a strong bond with his alma mater, frequently participating in school activities and events, such as the fifth grade Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic processions and the school’s Faith Rally Mass.

“About a year before last, at the Faith Rally Mass, he spoke about being a missionary and his love for Saint Patrick,” Sister Maria shared. “[He also said] that the students must have hearts for evangelization and a desire to share the love of the Lord with those around them.”

Saint Croix Catholic School expressed its gratitude to Bishop Williams for his continued support and involvement.

“We are grateful for all you have done for Saint Croix Catholic School. We are so proud to call you an SCCS alum,” read a message from the school’s Instagram account.

Bishop Williams’ parents, Mary and Gary Williams, remain active parishioners at the Church of Saint Michael, which is located next to the school. In an interview on the archdiocese’s “Practicing Catholic” podcast, they were asked to reflect on Bishop Williams’ childhood.

“We can both say that he really didn’t need parents,” his mother recalled. “We remember sitting at the National Honor Society banquet when he was in high school. The principal said, ‘I’d like you to turn to your parents and thank them for getting you to this day and for all their help.’ We looked at him and said, ‘You don’t have to thank us.’ He was very delightful.”

Sister Maria also emphasized Bishop Williams’ presence within the school. “He has a fatherly presence about him,” she said. “The school community experienced a tangible and evident sense of spiritual fatherhood.”