Posted April 30, 2021

Father John E. Donia, currently school minister at Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, has been named its new principal starting July 1.

The announcement was made April 30 in a letter to the school community by school president Sister Regina Plunkett, I.H.M., and the archdiocesan superintendent of secondary schools, Sister Maureen L. McDermott, I.H.M.

Current principal Michael McArdle is retiring after serving in Catholic education for more than four decades, and as principal of Shanahan since 2015.

Father Donia brings years of pastoral experience and academic preparation to his new role.

Ordained a priest of the Philadelphia Archdiocese in 2007, he holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and his principal’s certification from St. Joseph’s University in 2018. He also holds a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Recently he served as co-chair of the Bishop Shanahan Strategic Planning Committee and internal coordinator of the Middle States Planning Committee.

As a classroom teacher Father Donia initiated the Faith in Action course, which prepares students to be leaders in the church and community.