Pius XI Catholic High School Celebrates the Installation of President Tom Mlada

Yesterday, the Pius XI Catholic High School community gathered at the beautiful Saint Vincent Pallotti Parish Church for the celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit and the installation of Tom Mlada as the fourth President of Pius XI. Our community was honored to welcome Archbishop Jeffrey Grob as our principal celebrant, joined by Fr. Phillip Bogacki ’99, Fr. John Baumgardner ’08, Fr. Jerry Herda, Fr. Mike Ignaszak ’76, and Fr. Joseph Heit.

Archbishop Jeffrey Grob (Saint Vincent Pallotti Parish Church; August 27, 2026)

Fr. Mike Ignaszak ’76, Fr. Phillip Bogacki ’99, Archbishop Jeffrey Grob, President Tom Mlada, Fr. John Baumgardner ’08, Fr. Jerry Herda, and Fr. Tom Pulikkeel-Chacko. (Saint Vincent Pallotti Parish Church, August 27, 2026)

We were also blessed to welcome members of the International Leadership Team of the School Sisters of St. Francis, one of Pius XI’s founding religious communities, who joined us in prayer and celebration in this important moment in the life of our school. United in prayer, our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the greater Pius XI community called upon the Holy Spirit to guide our school, strengthen our shared mission, and bless President Mlada as he begins this new vocation of leadership and service.

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The installation of a new president is a sacred and significant moment in the life of a Catholic school. Through symbols representing the rich history, enduring traditions, and promising future of Pius XI, President Mlada formally accepted the responsibility of leading our school and advancing its Christ-centered mission.

More than a celebration of new leadership, the occasion affirmed the calling we share as a Catholic school community: to proclaim the Gospel through our words and actions, to recognize the God-given dignity and gifts of every student, and to form young people in faith, knowledge, character, and loving service to others. We were reminded that each and every school year serves as a journey that we embark upon both as individuals and as members of a community, continually called to grow closer to Christ and to accompany others along the road. We do not make that journey alone. We lean upon God’s grace, the wisdom of those who walk beside us, and the strength of a Catholic community united in faith, hope, and love. To all students, staff, parents, alums, Board Directors, friends, and benefactors in attendance, Mlada said:

"I am so grateful for your belief and trust in me and my God-given ability to help lead our school community forward. Ours is a really extraordinary faith-based school community – we are 'one of one' as the only Catholic High School in the country bearing the name Pius XI! – and one of which we all can be so proud to be a part. I’m so incredibly honored and excited to officially begin that journey with you all this morning."

As President Mlada begins his journey of service among us, we ask God to grant him wisdom, courage, humility, and grace. May the Holy Spirit guide his leadership, and may Christ remain at the center of all that we do.

Pius XI Catholic High School would like to thank Fr. Tom PC and all Saint Vincent Pallotti Parish staff for their support and for graciously hosting this special Mass service.

All photos by Dan Herda Photography