Catholic schools leader departure prompts Diocese of Jefferson City search

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) -

The head of Mid-Missouri's Catholic schools is taking a new job in Kansas, opening up a national search by the Diocese of Jefferson City for her replacement.

The diocese announced on Thursday morning that superintendent Erin Vader will become the new head of Catholic schools in the Kansas City, Kansas diocese. She starts that job in early August.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Erin Vader for her dedicated service as Superintendent of Catholic
Schools,” Bishop Ralph B. O’Donnell said in the news release. “I am deeply grateful for her commitment to forming disciples through Catholic education, her tireless advocacy for students and families, and her steadfast collaboration with our pastors, principals, teachers, and staff in strengthening the mission of our schools. I entrust her and all those she has served to the loving care of the Lord, asking God to bless her
abundantly as she continues to serve the Church in the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas.”

Vader has led the Jefferson City diocese's schools since 2020 when then-Bishop Shawn McKnight hired her from the diocese in Fort Worth, Texas. McKnight is now the Archbishop of Kansas City, Kansas, where Vader is heading.

"Serving as Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Jefferson City has been one of the greatest blessings of my professional and spiritual life. I am profoundly grateful to Bishop O’Donnell, our pastors, school leaders, teachers, families, and students for the trust they have placed in me and for the many ways they have advanced the mission of Catholic education."

The diocese has 37 Catholic schools across Missouri, including three high schools. Kathryn Coulson, the diocese's director of curriculum and instruction, will take over as interim superintendent.