Thomas More Prep-Marian is excited to announce the hiring of Rick Binder as a high school religion teacher. Rick has worked the past 17 years as the youth minister at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (IHM) in Hays, leading CYO and youth groups in a variety of activities, prayers, mission trips, service projects, and fellowship. Rick grew up on a family farm in Hays. Along with his wife, Gayla (Lohrmeyer), they have also run a dairy and grain farm over the years. Rick and Gayla have 4 children and 9 grandchildren (with one more on the way).
Rick currently oversees the Family Life/Respect Life Offices for the Diocese of Salina. While teaching at TMP-Marian, he will maintain that role, stepping down from his youth ministry duties at IHM.
"I am looking forward with great anticipation to this opportunity to be in the classroom every day and to be part of a great Catholic Community at TMP-Marian," said Rick. "It has been my experience that in preparing to teach others about our faith, I myself have grown in knowledge and understanding of God in my life. Now I feel truly blessed that I will have the opportunity to do that on a daily basis.”
Rick will work with Bill Meagher, TMP-Marian Campus Minister, to transition teaching duties during October, while still being available to help IHM ensure a successful transition of their youth ministry program.
"The TMP-Marian and Hays communities know Rick Binder very well," said Principal Chad Meitner. "We couldn't be getting a better Catholic gentleman and catechist to walk alongside our students in their journey of faith."