ROCHESTER — Msgr. Mike Hrydziuszko, pastor of St. Andrew Parish and Holy Family Regional School in Rochester, has been named one of four recipients of the 2019 Fr. John B. Zwers Award by the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools' (MANS) board of trustees.

Msgr. Hrydziuszko was nominated for the award by Jon Myers, principal at Holy Family Regional School.

Myers, who met Msgr. Hrydziuszko in 2012, said the priest's leadership at both the school and the parish “is strong and pastoral.”

“He proudly wears the eighth grade sweatshirt each year as he attends all the school functions, sporting events, committee meetings, school fundraisers, teacher dinners and is a true advocate for Catholic education,” Myers said. “He loves the children and leads many of our weekly Masses on both campuses. He connects well with the children, faculty, staff, and all of the parents. Msgr. Mike walks with his people … he is a true good shepherd and takes care of his sheep, young and old.”

Fr. John B. Zwers was a founding member of MANS and served faithfully on the MANS board of trustees from 1972 until his death in 2004.

“Recognizing the critical importance that a pastor plays in successful faith-based education, the MANS board instituted the Fr. Zwers award to recognize members of the clergy with a strong history of support for faith-based schools,” said MANS executive director Brian D. Broderick. “These individuals are able to articulate the importance of a faith-based education, have ongoing connections to the school community, parents, teachers, and students, and demonstrate support in leading the school community.”

Together with Msgr. Hrydziuszko, three others will also be recognized at the opening ceremony of the MANS Administrators’ Conference in Acme, Mich., on Oct. 16. The other winners are Fr. James Chelich of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School in Grand Rapids; the Rev. Matthew Peters of Zion Lutheran Church and Preschool in Petoskey; and R.H. “Bear” Berends, director emeritus of the All Belong Center for Inclusive Education (formerly CLC Network) in Grand Rapids.

The Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools represents more than 400 faith-based schools across Michigan, including Catholic schools within the seven dioceses of Michigan, the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod Schools, Michigan Region of Christian Schools International, and the Association of Christian Schools International.