Saint Joseph School

Fr. Shaughnessy is the 6th of 7 children born to Joe and Rosemary Shaughnessy of St. Louis. Faith in Almighty God, strong family life, and an unwavering conviction to perform to the very best of one's God-given ability were the guiding principles in the Shaughnessy family home. After Catholic grade school and high school, Fr. Shaughnessy pursued a career in architecture graduating from Washington University in St. Louis with a B.A. in Architecture in 1993 and a Master of Architecture in 1996. After receiving his graduate degree, Father worked in the private sector in the design and construction industry before entering seminary in 2006 at the age of 35.  

Why did it take Father Shaughnessy 35 years to enter seminary?  At the time, Father S. was not exactly sure. But looking back and realizing that life is a journey after reflecting on those 35 years, Father realized that God can and does use everything for “the good” if we allow it.  

Father Shaughnessy loves being a priest and he loves being the Pastor of St. Joseph Parish.

A native of St. Louis, Sr. Carol lived with her family on The Hill and attended St. Ambrose School and Cor Jesu Academy. Following a year in the workforce, she entered the Congregation of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hamden, CT. She earned a B.A. from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT. Sr. Carol also has an M.A. from Fordham University, where she studied History and Political Science, and an M.A. in Education and Administration from St. Louis University. 

As an Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sr. Carol’s past ministries have included teaching and administration on the secondary and elementary levels in CT, NY, NJ, and MO. Her St. Louis experiences include Cor Jesu Academy, St. Ambrose, and St. Catherine Laboure. Sr. Carol has been at Saint Joseph School since 2016.

Fr. Ruzicka was raised in south Saint Louis City. He is the youngest of four children born to John and Jeanne Ruzicka. Although he was baptized and raised Catholic, he did not fully embrace the Catholic Faith until he attended a youth retreat as an 8th Grader. 

 

During his sophomore year of high school, Jack felt a subtle yet profound call to serve God as a priest after a life-changing experience in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. After graduating from Saint Mary’s High School in May of 2013, he entered Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in August of that same year. He graduated from Cardinal Glennon College Seminary in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. In May 2021, he graduated from Kenrick School of Theology with an M.A. in Theology and Divinity.

 

Father Ruzicka was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on May 29, 2021 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. He returns to St. Joseph Parish as Associate Pastor and part time chaplain of Saint Pius X High School in Festus. St. Joseph Parish holds a special place in Fr. Ruzicka’s heart, as he previously served here as a full-time intern from 2018-2019. He is honored to serve the good people of St. Joseph as a priest! “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?” (2 Corinthians 12:15).