Rapid City Catholic Schools announce Fr. Kinyon as new High School Principal

When I appeared in the diocese for the first time on June 25, 2024 (I do remember the date!), after introducing myself at a small “press conference,” there were a few folks present who indeed posed questions.  After explaining the choice of an episcopal motto (“Surgite eamus”—“Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way”), I recall someone asking something like, “What are your pastoral priorities as the new bishop?” After reminding the questioner that I had known about this new adventure, at that point, for just ten days (hence, I had not made long-term plans), I did specify that I had a concern for our youth and seeing that we did our best to form them in the faith that we all treasure.

After nearly 1-½ years as your bishop, it has become evident that one of the largest concentrations of our youth is in the Rapid City Catholic School System.  The ministry we offer there is a vital effort to form our youth in the faith and I have been impressed with what’s happening there.  However, we can do more—we can take it to the next level!

Over the last year, the responsibility for administration for both the Middle School and High School has been provided ably and faithfully by Mary Helen Olsen.  One can imagine, however, that serving as principal for both schools has been a monumental mission!  In order advance the mission and Catholic identity of our St. Thomas More High School, I will be appointing Fr. Robert Kinyon as principal of St. Thomas More High School, effective June 1, 2026. As you might know, Fr. Robert has been serving as chaplain at St. Thomas More and, this year, has been teaching a religion class.

Under the guidance of Dr. Tipton, Superintendent of RCCSS, and with my close support, I have great hope that Fr. Robert’s enthusiasm, talent, and dedication to the mission of St. Thomas More will all contribute powerfully to enhancing the Catholic culture and vision of the education we offer the students.  I am grateful for Fr. Robert’s generous fiat to my invitation to serve as principal!

Some have asked the expected tenure of this position.  Of course, only the Lord knows the future, but, with the unique nature of this ministry, I would hope and expect that the assignment would have a similar term as that of a pastor—approximately six-year terms. Fr. Robert will also be taking on additional students to prepare him for this ministry and, at the same time, obtain the credentials needed to serve in this role. Both Dr. Tipton and I acknowledge the powerful potential of merging the role of principal with the priestly office—for me this is why having one of our priests in this role offers such great potential to impact powerfully the sacred work of Catholic education at St. Thomas More.

Please join me in praying for the St. Thomas More High School family and Fr. Robert, and as he takes on this new adventure. St. Thomas More, pray for us!

+Bishop Scott Bullock