Guerin Catholic President Deacon Rick Wagner announces retirement

Submitted

Guerin Catholic High School President Deacon Rick Wagner announced on Wednesday, Oct. 28, that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2026-27 school year, bringing to a close an extraordinary 42-year career dedicated to Catholic education and faith-based leadership.

Wagner has devoted his professional life to forming students academically, spiritually, and personally through Catholic education. His career has included leadership roles at Bishop Chatard High School, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, and Guerin Catholic. Since 2021, he has served as Guerin Catholic’s president, having previously led the school as principal from 2007 to 2013.

Throughout his tenure, Wagner has been recognized for his steadfast commitment to the mission of Catholic education, his servant leadership, and his dedication to fostering a faith-filled community where students are encouraged to grow in wisdom, faith, and service.

“Deacon Rick has faithfully dedicated his life to Catholic education and has profoundly impacted countless students, families, faculty, and staff throughout his career,” said Trudy Young, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. “His leadership at Guerin Catholic has strengthened our mission and left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire our community for years to come.”

Reflecting on his decision, Wagner shared that retirement will allow him to spend more time with his wife, Carol, their children, and grandchildren. He also plans to continue sharing his passion for ministry by leading retreats and workshops while remaining active in service to the Catholic Church.

“My years serving in Catholic schools as a teacher, coach, and administrator have been life-giving,” Wagner said. “It has been a joy to be surrounded by loving, caring adults who want the best for the young people in their charge. I have been blessed to have a leadership role at Guerin Catholic and am humbled by the trust Bishop Doherty and Trudy Young placed in me. I am certain that the school will continue to flourish for years to come.”

In addition to his ongoing ministry work, he will continue serving as a deacon for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis at his home parish, St. Pius X.

The Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana will begin the search for Guerin Catholic’s next president in the coming weeks. According to Young, a search committee will be established with the goal of naming the school’s next president by March 1, 2027, ensuring a smooth and thoughtful leadership transition.

Click here to read Deacon Rick Wagner’s letter to the Guerin Catholic community.

Founded in 2004, Guerin Catholic High School is a diocesan Catholic high school in Noblesville, dedicated to forming the whole person through academic excellence, faith development, and student life to live out the gospel message.