With Heavy Hearts, We Share Sad News

It is with great sorrow that we share news of the death of our pastor, Father Steve Kanonik. Father Steve passed in his sleep on January, 7, 2025.

We know that you join us in offering the Kanonik family as well as the parish and school family support and prayers during this most difficult time.

The faculty and staff were informed of Father Steve's passing before school this morning. We are asking PARENTS to inform their children this evening in a way that is appropriate for your family. We also encourage you to talk openly with your child and let them know you are available for their questions and if/when they would like to talk. Please use this article to help share this sad news with your children as you see appropriate.

We want you to know that we are also keenly aware of the needs of our students as they cope with their feelings of grief and loss. We believe it is important for you to be fully informed of school activities in response to this tragic event so that you can follow up with your child at home.

To help our students and staff during this difficult time, we will gather the K-8 students in the gym for a brief prayer service on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 8:15AM. Parents are welcome to join us for the prayer service. Please enter through the gym doors on Bell.

We will also have a team of grief counselors on available tomorrow to meet with students who may need extra support.

In this time of shock and sorrow, we rely more than ever on our faith and prayer to sustain us. We know that you join us in prayer and concern for the our parish and school family.

St. Benedict Church will be open for private prayer Wednesday, January 8 from 9AM to 12:30PM and 6-7PM. Arrangements are pending. We will share details as soon as we have them.

May Father Steve rest in peace.

Sincerely,

St. Benedict Parish and School Faculty and Staff