St. Vincent’s Junior and Senior High Schools in Perryville, MO, will have a new Associate Principal in the coming academic year, Fr. Ranjan Lima, C.M., from the Northern India Province of the Congregation of the Mission.
“I am honored to have been named Associate Principal of St. Vincent Junior and Senior High Schools in Perryville,” Fr. Lima said. “St. Vincent Schools in Perryville are steeped in a rich Vincentian legacy dating back to 1896. As a Vincentian myself, being offered the privilege to serve in schools with such heritage leaves me feeling blessed.”
Fr. Lima’s appointment is part of an administrative restructuring at the school, which is adopting a “President/Principal” model.
“St. Vincent Catholic Schools has a long, and intertwined history with the Vincentians,” said Zachary Stobart, President of the St. Vincent schools. “As we begin this new administrative model, I am excited they will be continuing their presence and assistance to ensure the future of the school for our students. Fr. Lima’s assignment here at St. Vincent’s is a welcome one! To assist grow our school’s Catholic identity is such an enormous gift, and we are all looking forward to his arrival!”
Fr. Lima is in the United States as part of the Western Province’s International Personnel Exchange program and recently graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a Ph.D. in curriculum studies. He also has a master’s in educational leadership and, during his studies, has been a member of the clergy at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Chicago. Fr. Joseph Geders, C.M., Pastor at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Perryville, pointed out that this assignment will not be Fr. Lima’s first experience in Perryville.
“Fr. Ranjan assisted with parish Masses in Perry County during a few summers past while priests were taking vacation” Fr. Geders said. “We are blessed to have Fr. Ranjan return full-time to assist at St. Vincent Schools, and we are grateful to the Vincentian Province of Northern India for this opportunity.”
The assignment is in accordance with the Western Province’s Apostolic Planning and Design for Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
“It is a blessing for the province to have Fr. Ranjan work at St. Vincent High School with his advanced education and international experience,” said Fr. Patrick McDevitt, C.M., Provincial Superior for the Western Province. “The apostolic plan of the Western Province is committed to education and young adult ministry.”
Fr. Lima said he is looking forward to working at the school and joining the St. Vincent de Paul Parish community in Perryville, MO.
“St. Vincent Schools have the potential to become one of the most sought-after schools in Perry County and beyond,” Fr. Lima said. “I eagerly anticipate working alongside our dedicated administration, faculty, staff, parents, students, and well-wishers of St. Vincent’s to turn this potential into reality.”