Greetings in the Risen Lord!

My name is Fr. Anthony Saroki and I have been appointed to pastor Holy Trinity Parish and School starting July 1, 2026.  About a month ago, I was asked to get involved in helping the school hire a new principal.  Since then, I’ve had several conversations with Bishop Michael Pham, Fr. Rey Manahan, the Diocesan Office for Schools, and key school personnel (Carol Ballard, Mande Betty, and Madlain Arabo).  I understand that the future of the school is in question due to low enrollment, inadequate financial resources, and no permanent principal. 

Before laying out my plan to address these challenges and make Holy Trinity the best school in the Diocese, let me share a little about myself.  I’m the oldest of six children born to Karim (from Tel Keppe, Iraq) and Faiza (from Baghdad).  I was raised in Chula Vista, attended university at Georgetown, and then graduated from law school at Berkeley before making my way back to the San Diego area, where I practiced law for two years.  In 2001, I discerned a vocation to priestly ministry.  If you’re interested, you can listen to my story here. 

I’ve served in the Diocese of San Diego for over 20 years in various roles, including Director of Priestly Vocations, Pastor of Ascension Parish, and Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, where I am completing my fourteenth year.  In both pastorates, I entered a community in crisis, and within three years, attendance and donations increased by more than 35% at both parishes.  Parishioners were happy and focused on the mission of Jesus Christ. 

Here’s the plan to set the school and your children up for success. 

(1)   Hire an excellent principal.  I’ve consulted with my sister Stephanie, a nationally recognized expert in education (see here), on how to recruit a highly effective school principal.  I’ve secured a commitment from a donor to enable us to offer a competitive starting salary.  We hope to hire the principal within the next six weeks.

(2)   Appeal to benefactors.  I know some faithful Catholics blessed by God with considerable wealth.  With a good principal in place, I can make a convincing argument to them about why they should direct some of that wealth to Holy Trinity School.  

(3)   Explore synergistic partnerships.  I’m in conversation with Abbot Ankido Sipo of the Sons of the Covenant Chaldean Monastery to discuss how the monks could be involved in some way with the school.  They are located about two miles away.  The presence of religious (whose lives witness to the supreme value of the Kingdom of God) is a great benefit to a school community.  Also, they can help ensure that the common Catholic faith we celebrate will be enriched by the Chaldean tradition. 

(4)   Engage all school families.  I’m a hands-on, transparent, and accessible leader.  I want to know your concerns and hopes with regards to the school.  I will attend the April 24th Gala, where I hope to meet you in person and answer any questions you have.

When an institution is in crisis, people tend to flee to the exits.  This is understandable.  You want the best education for your children, which is the right thing to prioritize.  Of course, if everyone leaves, the institution ceases to become viable.  I’m humbly asking you to reenroll your children at Holy Trinity for the 2026-27 school year and help me build a top-tier educational institution that will set your children up for success in this life and into eternity.

Why take the risk?  The downside is that if we don’t turn things around, you will need to find an alternative school for your children—and if that happens, we will help you with that.  The upside is that you will be part of building an excellent school where your children will thrive, receive a high-quality education that meets their unique needs, and grow up to be men and women of faith and virtue. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit!

Fr. Anthony Saroki