Welcome to our new Director of Religious Education!

I am very happy to share some joyful news with our parish family. After a thoughtful search and much prayer, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Mallory Benedetto will be joining the staff at Jesus the Good Shepherd as our new Director of Religious Education. I am deeply grateful for her willingness to serve in this important role, helping to guide and strengthen the faith formation of our children, youth, and adults.

Many of you already know Mallory. She is one of our own. She received the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation here at Jesus the Good Shepherd. She attended both JGS and St. Frederick schools, and as an adult she has continued to give generously of her time and talents—serving as a lector, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Director of an ACTS retreat, and sponsor in the OCIA program. Her roots in this parish run deep, and her love for this community is genuine.

Mallory also brings to this ministry a strong background in education and leadership. Most recently, she served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Tulane University, as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Louisiana Tech University. Her professional experience, combined with her faith and commitment to the Church, will be a great blessing to our parish.

In this new role, Mallory will help us continue building a vibrant and faithful program of religious education—one that supports our catechists, partners with parents, and forms disciples who know, love, and follow Jesus Christ. She is eager to collaborate with our families and ministries so that together we can foster a lifelong love for the Catholic faith and a deeper encounter with the Lord through Scripture, prayer, and community.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Mallory Benedetto to our parish staff. I ask that you keep her in your prayers as she begins this new chapter of service among us, and that you offer her the same support and encouragement that make our parish such a strong and faith-filled community.

Sincerely

— Father Peter Mangum