After 16 years in the Archdiocese of Denver, serving as a teacher, a principal, and over the past nearly 6 years as Superintendent of Catholic Schools, it is a bittersweet move for Elias Moo and his family. Following much prayer and discernment, Elias has accepted a position as Director of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Portland.
“I am grateful for the confidence and unwavering support Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and his team have placed in me as Superintendent these past six years. Today I leave a better man, a more faithful follower of the Lord, and a stronger leader, thanks to all the Lord has given me through the many experiences he has blessed me and my family with as members of this community over these past 16 years,” says Elias.
As a true product of the Archdiocese, Elias reflects on his time here as a privilege and an honor of a lifetime. He is exceptionally proud of the team the Lord has assembled in the Office of Catholic Schools.
Elias says, “The men and women in the OCS are talented and faithful disciples who love the Lord, the Church, and the mission of Catholic education. They possess an incredible zeal for the renewal the Lord has called us to in these times.”
Keith Parsons, COO of the Archdiocese of Denver, acknowledges that change is often challenging, but there is no greater fruit for a community than to see one of its own sent forth on mission to take the Gospel and the mission of the Church to where it is needed.
He says, “We rejoice with Elias and his family as he pursues the Lord’s will for them, and with trust in the Lord’s providence, we send him forth to serve the Church of western Oregon.”
The search for Elias’ replacement is ongoing as the Archdiocese of Denver remains committed to the mission of its Catholic Schools. Keith says, “OCS’ mission is vital to our overall mission. Elias has put in place an excellent team that is poised and prepared to continue the work of renewal the Lord has inspired in our hearts and to continue to provide excellent care and support of school pastors and leaders across the Archdiocese. There will not be a disruption to the strategic work underway, thanks to the strength of the team that we have in place.”
While Elias and his family will undoubtedly miss the community of the Archdiocese of Denver, he is excited to go on mission with Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, his leadership team, the presbyterate, and school leaders in the Archdiocese of Portland as they pursue the Lord’s will for the renewal of the mission of Catholic education in the church of western Oregon. Elias’ time working alongside so many faithful disciples has prepared him for this next step.
He says, “There is dedicated and talented leadership at all levels and locations in the Archdiocese, from the Pastoral Center to, most importantly, our parishes, where the heart of the Church’s mission lies. To have been a part of the community of the Archdiocese of Denver is a blessing I will never forget and will always be grateful for.”