Fr. Kevin Hughes, S.J., to Return to Maine, Teach Theology at Cheverus High School

PORTLAND---Fr. Kevin Hughes, S.J., has been assigned to teach theology and assist with campus ministry at Cheverus High School in Portland, starting in the 2022-23 academic year. Fr. Hughes previously served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Portland from August of 2020 through August of 2021, when he was appointed parochial vicar at St. Thomas More Church in Decatur, Georgia.

"I am thrilled to be back in Portland. When I was here in 2020-21, the pandemic really prevented me from getting to know the school and many other places in and around Portland," said Fr. Kevin. "I am really looking forward to learning and experiencing more of the city and the rest of Maine."

A native of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Fr. Hughes first encountered the Society of Jesus (S.J.) while he was a student at St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia. The Society of Jesus is an order of Catholic priests and brothers founded nearly 500 years ago by St. Ignatius Loyola.

"I was inspired by the Jesuits who taught at my high school and have wanted to be a Jesuit in the classroom ever since," said Fr. Kevin.

Fr. Hughes earned a bachelor's degree in biology from La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a master's degree in biology from Saint Louis University in Missouri.

As a Jesuit in formation, Kevin taught math and science at McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, New York; did a summer immersion trip with fellow Jesuit scholastics in China; and earned a master of divinity degree from Regis College in Toronto. He was ordained to the priesthood on August 8, 2020. He has also worked with the deaf community in the Catholic Church during his time in St. Louis, Rochester, Toronto, and in his previous stop in Maine. Fr. Hughes attended Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. to study ASL.