Mr. Anthony Jimenez, Cathedral’s newest Catholic Faith 10 teacher, differs from typical religion teachers because he studied in the Jesuit Novitiate for six months prior to teaching at CCHS.

He took up  substitute teaching last year when he moved from Los Angeles to be closer to his family.  Mr. Jimenez said that transitioning from religious life to teaching was easy.

“I wanted to continue helping people, and I have always had a strong passion for religion,” he said.

Mr. Jimenez completed his undergraduate studies at Humboldt State.  In the summers, he travels to Chicago where he is studying to get his master’s degree at Loyola University Chicago.

He has taken over Ms. Geis’ old classroom upstairs in De Sales and is teaching five periods of sophomore religion.

“When I was in high school, religion class was one of the few classes that truly stuck with me.  I hope to have the same effect on high school students that my religion classes had on me,” he said.

Though Mr. Jimenez felt immediately drawn to teach at Cathedral, he also enjoys working with younger kids.

A Uni. grad who grew up in La Mesa, Mr. Jimenez was inspired by current religion teacher Mr. Keith Warrick.

“When I decided I wanted to teach, Cathedral was the natural choice.   I didn’t even have to think about it,” Mr. Jimenez said.

Although Mr. Jimenez is enjoying teaching, sometimes he contemplates returning to the religious life.

He said, “The Church has always been like a second family.  I’ve always been close with my pastors and with chaplains who have been role models.  They’ve always inspired me.”

For the mean time, however, Mr. Jimenez is content.  “

I’m enjoying being here so far and feel quite welcome.”