On March 7, Pope Francis announced that he had appointed Monsignor Mark S. Rivituso as a new auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Some people at St. Dominic may already be familiar with the new bishop, as he was once a beloved teacher at our school.

Bishop-elect Rivituso, a St. Louis native, attended St. Mary High School. While there, he prayed daily before the Blessed Sacrament in the school chapel. On Sundays, Rivituso attended early morning Mass with his grandmother and became devoted to the Rosary and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Sacred Heart of Jesus.

“That’s when I started hearing the call from Jesus to become a priest,” said Rivituso in an interview with the St. Louis Review.

After high school, Rivituso obtained a degree in Ecclesiastical Studies at Cardinal Glennon College Seminary and Kenrick Seminary. He then earned a master’s degree and licentiate in Canon and Civil Law at the University of St. Paul in Ottawa, Canada. Once he returned from Canada, Rivituso was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of St. Louis in 1988.

Bishop-elect Rivituso spent much of his time in St. Louis serving in various positions such as parochial vicar, parish administrator, Metropolitan Tribunal staff member, pastor and chaplain. Most notably he taught right here at St. Dominic from 1990 to 1993.

When Rivituso was asked to serve as auxiliary bishop, he reflected on his decision by looking at a crucifix hanging in his office. After reflecting, he knew his answer was yes.

“Jesus gave everything for me upon that cross. Now, He’s asking something of me, and looking at me with love upon the cross. How can I refuse Him? I have to trust enough to say yes. What the Church needs of me, I will do it,” said Rivituso in an interview with the St. Louis Review.

Bishop-elect Rivituso will be consecrated as auxiliary bishop on May 2, 2017. He has already chosen his motto to use while bishop: “The love of Christ impels us.” Hopefully, Bishop Rivituso can be a great inspiration for the St. Dominic community on how to serve others and truly live out one’s faith!