Saint John Paul the Great gets new principal

“Sister Mary Veronica will build on the tradition of
excellence established under the leadership of
founding Principal Sister Mary Jordan Hoover, O.P., who
has helped to form a community rooted in prayer, study and
service,” he said.

Sister Mary Veronica currently serves as principal of St.
Pius V School in Providence, R.I. Prior to that, she taught
at St. Croix School in Stillwater, Minn., and St. Cecilia
Academy, Nashville, Tenn., where she taught with both Sister
Mary Jordan, outgoing principal, and Sister Mary Brigid,
chairwoman of the religious department at Mount de Sales
Academy in Baltimore, both of whom will head to the Diocese
of Phoenix in July to establish a community and lead the
newly founded St. John Paul II Catholic High School that will
open in the fall of 2018.

“Sister Mary Veronica brings not only a wealth of experience
as a gifted educator and administrator,” said Bishop Loverde,
“but also a personal acquaintance with our diocese, having
lived and worked here prior to entering the Dominican Sisters
in 1993.”

Sister Mary Veronica was a member of St. Bernadette Church in
Springfield prior to entering the Dominican Sisters in 1993.
She also taught at Potomac High School (1987-89).

She earned a bachelor’s in English from James Madison
University in Harrisonburg in 1985, a master’s in educational
leadership from Christian Brothers University, Memphis, in
2007, and a master’s in biblical studies from Providence
College in 2008.

Sister Mary Veronica said she is looking forward to getting
to know the Saint John Paul the Great community and will
visit the school over the weekend of May 20-23.

She also will attend
the blessing of the radio tower and lights at the school
stadium May 20.

“I am very happy that Sister Mary Veronica will be the next
principal at Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School,”
said Sister Mary Jordan. “She is an experienced educator who
approaches life with joy and kindness.”