Father Noah C. Morey is the new chaplain at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, replacing Father Edward J. Bresnahan, who became parochial vicar at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Clifton.
Father Morey served as parochial vicar at All Saints Church in Manassas and is in residence at the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria.
“Father Bresnahan was there for six years and he’s been very helpful in regard to planning some of the retreats that are coming and setting up the basics of what I am going to need going forward,” said Father Morey.
While Father Morey has not served as a chaplain in any official capacity, as a seminarian he was assigned as chaplain for the women’s soccer team at Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Md. He said he is eager to serve as chaplain at Ireton and has received input from Father Bresnahan.
Father Morey is starting with the basics.
“Learning a student’s name is important, so I’m trying to learn their names and their interests so I can invite them to a deeper friendship with Jesus from there,” said Father Morey.
Before school began, he had the opportunity to introduce himself to the faculty and staff at a retreat, and met students at orientation, as well as at the freshman retreat. He said he hopes to highlight the scriptures and rosary with the students this year.
Father Morey expects the work to be different from parish ministry but is looking forward to his new role during a time of new beginnings at the school — with construction of a three-story building and new head of school, Kathleen McNutt.
“I’m (looking forward to) the time to be a minister of Christ to students who are in need and looking for deeper meaning for their lives and hopefully helping them to grow in their faith, as well,” he said.
