Mr. Jared Kimutis
Theology, Math, and Science
Education and Degrees:
-Franciscan University of Steubenville- Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Theology and Catechetics, Minor in Spanish, Senior Thesis: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Glorifies God
-Holy Apostles College and Seminary- Master of Arts in Dogmatic Theology, Master’s Thesis: In Service of Communion: The Domestic Church’s Role as a Communion of Persons
-Creighton University- Master of Science in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Catholic School Leadership
Teaching History:
- Student teaching - Catholic Central High School - Steubenville, Ohio.
- “Totus Tuus” Summer Missionary - Archdiocese of Chicago- Summer 2010
- Religion Department Teacher - Knoxville Catholic High School - 2011-2023
- Religion Department Chair - Knoxville Catholic High School - 2020-2022
- Assistant Academic Dean - Knoxville Catholic High School - 2020-2022
Philosophy of Education:
“Jesus answered them, ‘My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me; if any man’s will is to do His will, he shall know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory, but he who seeks the glory of Him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.’” (John 7:16-18) I strive to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and study and follow His ways and allow His life to be lived in and through me. I pray that His teaching shines through me.
The faith is caught, more than it is taught. I was formed well, by the grace of God, through my own family, Catholic grade schools, and particularly from my time studying at Franciscan University of Steubenville. There I was taught to live Liturgically. I also learned that the word “Catechetics” comes from the Greek word for “Echo.” The Faith is to be “echoed” from one generation to the next. I am a link in the chain, but not the whole chain, but I do have a role to play in echoing the Faith that can be summarized in a word: the Word Who “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The Name above all names: Jesus, is the name I want to echo for endless ages. Jesus means “God Saves.” “God desires all men to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4, Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). “This is eternal life, that they know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” (John 17:3) So, at the end of my time teaching, I hope that each of my students know Jesus Christ and His perfect merciful love for each of them.
St. John Bosco is my model and guide for teaching youth. Read anything about St. John Bosco and you will have a sense of my educational philosophies. I felt called by God to teach students at the high school level because of how transformational those years were in my own life on my journey towards becoming the Saint I am created to be. I was a very different person at the end of my Senior year from the beginning of my Freshman year, by the grace and mercy of God. I hope to facilitate the transformation God would like to bring about in these young people. I experience tremendous joy being in the presence, joy, and wonder of youth.
Message to parents:
First and foremost, THANK YOU! Thank you for all that you are doing for your children, especially in terms of your witness of faith. I went into teaching high schoolers thinking that high school was the critical age where faith was formed or lost. The longer I am in education, the more I realize that students whose faith is not strong in high school often never had the gift of faith really shared with them to begin with (of course there are exceptions to this). Most often, the students I have had the privilege to teach who have been strongest in the faith have had amazing faith modeled and cultivated in their homes. So again, I encourage you in all of your efforts to cultivate living liturgically in your own homes, your own “Domestic Church.” Don’t put too much pressure on yourself though, the world already has a savior, Jesus Christ. Strive to put your child(ren) “in touch, communion, and intimacy with Jesus Christ.” (Catechesi Tradendae, par. 5)
Extracurricular Activities:
I love being with my family! My wife Monica and I are blessed with four “supreme gifts,” Samuel (11), Paul Joseph (9), Anna Thérèse (6) and Zoe Joy (2). “Children are the supreme gift of marriage and contribute greatly to the good of the parents themselves” (Gaudium et Spes, 50). I love music and playing many instruments. I also enjoy doing flips on trampolines, skateboarding, riding sleds down hills when it snows, playing baseball/ wiffle ball, basketball, running cross country, golf, and flying in airplanes whenever possible. Spontaneous dance parties in my home are also always enjoyed. May God continue to bless you and Our Lady keep you in her care!
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