Dean of Mission and Formation Named

Belen Jesuit Preparatory School is excited to announce its new Dean of Mission and Formation. Brendan McCauley is an experienced public speaker dedicated to fostering spiritual growth and creating a vibrant, faith-centered school environment. 

“Since every program and individual that is a part of the school community can be a means for our students to know the love of Christ and discover God in all things, the Dean of Mission and Formation will help to evangelize, encourage, discover and “call forth” the ministerial talents of all those in the school community – students, staff, faculty, alumni and families alike, to share in the responsibility for the spiritual formation of our students as a community of faith,” said José E. Roca ‘84, Principal. “Brendan brings with him a different perspective and experience, having grown up and worked outside of Florida, and we are excited to see him put into practice fresh ideas and spread his excitement and fervor for evangelization to our school.”

"I am excited and honored to serve as the Dean of Mission and Formation at Belen Jesuit,” said McCauley. “I look forward to meeting all of you and supporting our students in becoming men of great character, rooted in faith. With seven years of experience ministering to youth and young adults across the nation, I am humbled by the opportunity to share my gifts and passion for our Catholic faith with this community. My hope and prayer is that Belen continues to grow as a powerful witness to Christ’s love, inspiring schools in the surrounding area and beyond."

McCauley graduated from Washington State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He has a Master of Theological Studies from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute at Catholic University of America (2020).  Additionally, he worked as a missionary in India, Costa Rica, and Mexico from 2017-2018, providing compassionate care to the sick and dying and supporting poverty-stricken families in various ways. 

“We are very grateful to Br. Hunter D’Armond, S. J., for having served as Interim Dean of Mission and Formation for two years,” said school president Fr. Guillermo (Willie) García-Tuñón, S.J. ‘87. “Br. Hunter will conclude his regency at the end of this academic year and continue his priestly formation. Our students, the faculty, and staff will miss him dearly. I encourage the Belen community to pray for his vocation and also welcome Brendan to the family.” 

McCauley is moving from Nashville, TN and will begin at Belen on Monday, March 17. He will work alongside Br. Hunter for the last few months of the school year and get to know the students, faculty and staff. 

“The Office of Mission and Formation is one of the central pieces for the promotion of our Catholic values, the fulfillment of the goals found in our Strategic Plan, and in the formation of our students to become the Christ-centered leaders the world needs today,” said Fr. Willie. “Integrating faith-filled and service activities into every aspect of our school environment is essential to keeping our students engaged in their Catholic faith. I’m excited to see how Brendan will continue growing our program.”

The Office of Mission and Formation at Belen Jesuit is entrusted with carrying on the daily mission of Catholic formation for all faculty, staff, and students. With Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, the Office carries out its mission inspired by the life and teachings of St. Ignatius.