To strengthen faith formation and support the spiritual development of students across the Joplin Area Catholic Schools, the system has hired Maggie Beachner as campus ministry and service coordinator.
Her position is funded by the Legacy of Faith Fund, announced in January 2025. The fund helps relieve the financial burden of full parish tuition for active Catholic families and supports faith formation in Catholic schools and on local college campuses.
“We are thrilled to welcome Maggie into our Joplin Area Catholic Schools family,” said Director of Schools Jess Sickman. “Thanks to the Legacy of Faith Fund, we now have the opportunity to hire a campus minister who can help deepen our schools’ spiritual mission. With Maggie’s background and passion, we’ll enhance our students’ and staff’s opportunities to give back, continue the mission of the Sisters of Mercy, and work closely with our pastors to strengthen religious education.”A lifelong Catholic, Beachner is a married mother of three children, all of whom attend Joplin Area Catholic Schools. She holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction and brings more than 13 years of teaching experience in family and consumer science, art, and teacher preparation at both the secondary and college levels.
“Serving in the Joplin Area Catholic Schools is a dream come true,” said Beachner. “I am eager to support the Catholic faith of our students and staff in this capacity. As the daughter of an alum as well as the daughter of a past staff member, the schools hold a special place in my heart, and I feel truly blessed to live out my faith each day through this work.”
In her new role, Beachner will coordinate service projects, organize days of service, and spend time at all three campuses — St. Ann in Carthage, St. Mary’s in Joplin, and the St. Peter/McAuley campus in Joplin. She will also facilitate communication and collaboration about campus ministry across the school system.
Prior to hiring Beachner, the system built three days of service into the academic calendar, giving students meaningful opportunities to give back to the community during Thanksgiving week and on Ash Wednesday.
Beachner reports directly to the director of schools and the pastors who are part of the Joplin Area Catholic Schools. She officially begins the role on June 2nd.