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Saint John’s Prep Headmaster Announces Plans to Retire

Fr. Licari will retire in June of 2019

Saint John’s Prep Headmaster Fr. Jonathan Licari, OSB will retire from his role with the school in June of 2019. He’s served as Headmaster of the middle and upper school since the summer of 2013.

Fr. Licari’s many accomplishments with Saint John’s Prep include leading the school to establish and implement a five-year strategic plan. “I’ve worked hard with my colleagues to steer this school on a strong course as we embark on year two of implementing our strategic plan.I am confident the next Head of School will be able to take the helm and continue the journey we’ve charted together. I hope our families, alumni/ae and friends join me in supporting our mission and the work that is to come.”

Father Jonathan Licari, OSB grew up in Biwabik, Minnesota and was ordained in the Diocese of Duluth in 1976. Fr. Licari professed his first vows as a Benedictine monk at Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville, MN in 1982. He received his Ph.D. in canon law at Saint Paul University in Ottawa in 1988. Fr. Licari has spent his career working as a parish priest, serving in as an administrator for Saint John’s Abbey, and teaching as an assistant professor of canon law and theology at Saint John’s University.

While he is retiring from his role as headmaster, Fr. Licari will still be a part of the greater Saint John’s community. “As a monk of Saint John’s Abbey, one never really retires. I look forward to exploring new opportunities to serve my community. I will remain an active part of the Saint John’s Prep community until the end of the academic year.”

The Headmaster reports to the Saint John’s Prep Board of Regents. In a recent update on the strategic plan, Board Chair Chris Twomey ’66 and Chancellor Abbot John Klassen ’67 have outlined a a plan for succession for the Head of School position. Click here to read more about the succession plan. The search for a new Head of School will begin in the fall of 2018.