Our Headmaster

- Mr. Richard Mastrogiacomo
  
  Maris Stella Classical Academy is thrilled to announce the appointment of Richard “Rich” Mastrogiacomo as our new Headmaster. With a rich and diverse background in education, ministry, development, and missionary service, Mr. Mastrogiacomo brings a rare blend of pastoral wisdom, academic depth, and proven leadership. Holding degrees in theology and philosophy from prestigious institutions in Rome, and having led successful development efforts in previous roles, he has demonstrated time and again his ability to lead with vision and integrity. A dedicated husband and father, Rich is a disciple of the Lord and a tireless missionary for the Kingdom of God. His appointment marks a bold and hopeful new chapter for MSCA as we deepen our mission in the Catholic, Classical, and Cultural traditions of St. Martinville. Mr. Mastrogiacomo will focus on stabilizing our foundation for sustained growth and excellence, while fostering a school community rooted in the Gospel. We are confident that under his leadership, Maris Stella will flourish as a beacon of classical Catholic education for generations to come.
- Curriculum Vitae
  
  Professional Experience
  Over 15 years of leadership, pastoral care, and educational mission work in Catholic and classical settings
  Director of Development & Lay Catholic Missionary
  Family Missions Company | Abbeville, LA | 2016–2024
  Led organizational growth through donor cultivation, mission advancement, and strategic communications
  Coordinated a global mission team while delivering spiritual care and trauma healing to displaced communities in Uganda and Mexico
  Developed youth formation programs, led national speaking engagements, and managed retreats for families and young adults
  Hospice Chaplain
  Ascension/St. John Hospice | Tulsa, OK | 2019–2021
  Provided end-of-life spiritual and emotional care for patients and their families
  Authored weekly reflections to encourage hospice staff and families in their faith
  Master Leveler & Factory Team Leader
  The Onyx Collection | Belvue, KS | 2021–2023
  Managed and led a production team, ensuring quality control and leadership in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
  Foster Parent in Residence
  Boys Town | Omaha, NE | 2015–2016
  Lived with and mentored at-risk youth while coordinating care with therapists, guardians, and educators
  Hospitality Coordinator & Spiritual Minister
  North American College | Rome, Italy | 2007–2011
  Provided care and hospitality to visiting families, Vatican guests, and international pilgrims
  Served at Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital supporting families of terminally ill patients
  Education and Formation
  Licentiate in Spiritual Theology (S.T.L.) – Candidate
  Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), Rome, Italy
  Sacred Theology Baccalaureate (S.T.B.)
  Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy
  Bachelor of Philosophy (B.A.)
  St. John’s University, Queens, NY
  Certifications & Training
  Certified Trauma Healing Specialist (Healing the Wounds of Trauma)
  Hospice Chaplaincy Training & End-of-Life Counseling
  Personal Trainer Certification
  Presentations & Outreach
  National speaker on missionary discipleship and Catholic social teaching
  Mission appeals delivered at churches nationwide
  Languages
  Italian – Fluent reading and understanding; proficient speaking and writing
  Ecclesiastical Latin – Fluent reading and understanding; confident writing
  Honors & Service
  Successfully led organization’s first-ever capital campaign
  Foster parent to twelve children
  Missionary service in Uganda, Mexico, Jamaica, Armenia, Moscow, and Rome