As school has resumed, welcoming new and old faces back to campus, there is a new voice for Xavier’s on-campus ministry: Noah Minton.
Minton was born and raised in Arizona, joining his two sisters in a strong family. He attended Seton Catholic High School where his interest in pursuing a deeper faith began.
After high school, Minton decided to join the seminary in hopes of becoming a priest and strengthening his faith in God. He studied for six years before ultimately deciding that his calling was not to be a priest but a teacher. He enjoyed his faith and wanted to continue a faith-based career, so he decided to obtain a degree in theology.
After earning his degree, he struggled to find a “theology” teaching position so he taught young children Medieval history and art. Later, Xavier’s campus ministry interested him after he spoke to Gavin Ahern, junior theology teacher, who has known Minton since Minton was three.
“The people who know him love him. I do not know anyone who does not like him,” Ahern said.
Minton is currently in charge of teaching one theology class, organizing Mass during lunch, preparing liturgies, guiding faculty and staff through prayer after lunch and assisting in-class prayer days. He plans to make Xavier’s Mass more beautiful and reverent. One of his ideas for the future is creating Bible studies.
Xavier’s principal, Brittany Ecker, interviewed multiple candidates but ultimately decided upon Minton. She described him as being very open and easy to talk to.
“He definitely brings charisma to the department; he is fun and outgoing, and he is relatable,” Ecker said.
During this first year, Minton will learn the ropes and observe a lot. The changes he will implement will take place in the future as he surveys the school and sees places that need work. His main goal is to allow authenticity in students and, instead of controlling their faith, guide them into a deeper union with God.
“I want to make a conducive relationship here for students to have a relationship with the Lord,” said Minton.
Off campus, Minton is recently married and just welcomed his first child in July.
Xavier’s faculty and students are excited to welcome Minton and look forward to what he will bring to the campus ministry in years to come.
“He is going to bring a much-needed sense of humor and I think he also brings a sense of relaxation, and I mean that because sometimes we can take ourselves too seriously and he always brings a good spirit. He reminds people of what is important,” said Danielle Lambert, theology teacher and fellow campus minister.
Noah Minton teaches his third period class in Fitzgerald 202 and otherwise can be found in Fitzgerald 217, his office, next to English teacher Dani Richter’s classroom.
