Director of Catholic Schools to step-down at academic year’s end

Katie Rieckers (right) with Bishop Daly and Mary Pat Donoghue, Executive Director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education, USCCB (left), at a teacher’s in-service at St. Thomas More, Spokane in March 2023.

Dear faithful of eastern Washington,

It is bittersweet that I announce that Katie Rieckers, Director of Catholic Schools, has decided to step down from her position at the end of this academic year. Katie has been a devoted, faithful and exceptional employee for thirty years. I have witnessed her selfless commitment to pastors, principals, teachers and families over the last six years as the Director of Catholic Schools. I am truly grateful to all Katie has done to help our young Catholic students grow in grace and wisdom. 

Katie has been a monumental employee within the Catholic Diocese of Spokane.  With over a decade of experience in the classroom, she taught various grade levels in elementary education and provided instruction for special needs students.  In 2016, after serving for eleven years as the Curriculum Coordinator for the Catholic Diocese, Katie accepted her current role as the Director of Catholic Schools.  Katie, along with her education team, Principals, and school Pastors, implemented numerous new processes, support structures, and services to assist in making our Catholic schools the best they can be.

Reflecting on her decision to step down, Rieckers said:  “When I started teaching at the diocese in 1994, we were a different institution. Being able to witness God’s grace and gifts bestowed upon our schools has been a true blessing. Thank you for your unconditional support, camaraderie, and friendship.”

Katie's decision to step down is certainly a loss, but the draw to spend more time with her family is understandable and well deserved. I am extremely grateful for the work we did together to help strengthen the ministry of Catholic education in our diocese. Although Katie is formally retiring from work in the diocese, she hopes to find new ways to be involved in the Cathedral, where she is a parishioner.

Please join me in offering Katie our prayers and best wishes as she devotes more time to her parents, family and grandchildren.