It has been just four years since Ss. Peter & Paul Parish and St. Thomas More Catholic School have been blessed with Fr. Jose Lopez as pastor and mentor. Within his daily life, he celebrates Masses, trains Mass servers, is available for reconciliation and adoration, and is there to talk whenever and wherever he is needed, both within the church and the school.
“What led me to the priesthood was pursuing a vocation and asking what was my mission, my purpose,” he shares. Finding the love of God has fortunately brought Fr. Jose to where he is in life now. Fr. Jose was born in Jalisco, Mexico. When he was just about 12 years old, his family moved to Green Bay. Being a native Spanish speaker, Fr. Jose uses both languages to reach his parishioners, students and their families. He explains, “It’s usually super fun with the kids. They are bilingual, but those who have recently immigrated to the States are in the early stages of learning. According to how they talk to me, I talk to them.”
This means that sometimes communication comes out in the form of “Spanglish.”
One significant connection that Fr. Jose has made with the students of St. Thomas More Catholic School is through playing sports and other activities, especially soccer. Three years ago, an unofficial St. Thomas More Soccer Club was formed, and the group has played for fun against the St. John Paul II Classical School School, with Fr. Jose as St. Thomas More’s coach. Outside his busy days at the parish, Fr. Jose likes to read, learn, have meaningful discussions with friends, and “just hang out with people.”
With a solid commitment to his church and school communities, it is hopeful that Fr. Jose’s mission and purpose will continue to benefit everyone who knows him for many years to come.
St. Thomas More Catholic School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8). The school has open enrollment and provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. To learn more about St. Thomas More, browse their website, stmoregb.com, or call the office at (920) 432-8242.
