Page 36 - Priorities #73

In a recent chapel service, Father Martin, Father Maurus, and Father Matthew shared their personal reflections of Tim Molak’s presence and servant leadership from the monastic perspective.
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FATHER MARTIN
Tim Molak is well known as an inspirational and forward-thinking educator, but for me there is so much more. He has been a friend of mine for over three decades, and together we have shared so many events–some spectacular and some quite challenging.
For so many years, Tim has been the leader and driving force in making it happen...in making the Priory happen.
Tim was the driving force in changing an all male school to co-ed, the building of the Performing Arts Center, Schilling Square and its environmentally designed classrooms, the LaureL STREAM Center, and the creation of homes on campus for faculty and staff have helped to make Priory what it is today.
But for Tim it has never really been about bricks and mortar. It’s always been about kids–about respect for everyone–about listening with the ear of his heart–about breaking into song unexpectedly–about Rebuilding Together–about the Bridge program. It’s all about vision.
No one has exemplified the Benedictine values of the Priory–Community, Individuality, Hospitality, Spirituality and Integrity–more than my friend, Tim Molak. As one class has said of him, “It is unanimous throughout the class, as well as the entire school, that in his career at the Priory, Tim Molak has dedicated more than his integrity andintellect: Hehasalsodedicatedhislife.”
Tim, we salute you for everything. Always we begin again.
FATHER MAURUS
Tim Molak was my Headmaster of the last 18 years of my 44 year teaching career in our school. So I had ample occasions to sit with Tim and discuss some important, sometimes difficult, issues; whether as a teacher, as the Head of the Science Department, as the
Maintenance Director, as a member of the Disciplinary Committee, or as a concerned member of the Monastic Community.
We might have had our differences at times, but I can’t recall a single occasion that we could not come to a good resolution, that always served the common good of our community. The same attentiveness and love and care for the Priory characterized Tim’s motivations during the last ten or so years as he turned his attention toward the physical upgrading of the Priory.
Tim’s legacy is clear. During his tenure, the Priory became one of the best Catholic Secondary Schools in the United States. The future of the Priory is well established, that he can pass on to his successor, to raise it to a new level.
Tim, you worked hard. You deserve the credit, and all of our appreciation. Thank you for your three decades of faithful service to us. May the good Lord reward you and keep you in His loving care as you venture into the next stage of your life.
MONASTERY NEWS