St. Clair Catholic is overjoyed to welcome Father Chris Pietraszko to his new role as Board Chaplain. A familiar face and faithful presence in our schools, Father Chris officially began his appointment on April 28, 2025—and already, his care and commitment to Catholic education are being felt across our system.

Since joining the Kent-Lambton Roman Catholic Family of Parishes in July 2023, Father Chris has embraced his first pastoral placement with joy, calling it an “incredible experience.” His love for the region, the people, and especially the students, is evident in every encounter. His involvement in Faith Day, school pep rallies, and system celebrations has made a lasting impression—and now, his appointment as Board Chaplain allows him to deepen those relationships.

“I love working with students and with the school board,” says Father Chris. “My hope is to support the spirit of Catholic education in meaningful ways—to help students, staff, and families grow in faith, and to build bridges between the Church and our schools. It’s about meeting people where they are, walking with them, and celebrating the unique gifts each person brings to our community.”

Father Chris comes from a family of educators and understands how important our Catholic schools are in the lives of young people. He brings a clear-eyed awareness of the world our students are growing up in—one that’s full of challenges, diversity, and opportunities for grace. His vision is rooted in belonging and compassion: “To be Catholic is to embrace and uplift one another,” he says. “That’s the future I hope to help nurture here.”

“We are truly blessed to welcome Father Chris in this new role,” says Director of Education, Lisa Demers. “His deep faith, his pastoral wisdom, and his love for our students will continue to enrich our schools in powerful ways. He understands what it means to be present, to listen, and to lead with a heart rooted in Christ. I can’t wait to see how his ministry continues to grow and inspire.”

As we welcome Father Chris, we also express heartfelt gratitude to Father John Jasica for his years of faithful service as Board Chaplain. His steady guidance and generous spirit have been a gift to our community, and we thank him for walking alongside us with such care and devotion.