MADISON — The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis has welcomed Jeffrey Karls to the staff as coordinator of Marriage Preparation for the Diocese of Madison.
Karls spent much of his life in the academic field of education and formation of young people. The father of nine children, he was president of the College of St. Mary Magdalen in Warner, NH, from 1998 to 2011. Before that he served 12 years as executive vice-president and treasurer of the same college.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Karl’s early employment before moving to New Hampshire included ownership and management in the hospitality industry.
His many professional affiliations have included: president of Legatus in Boston, Mass., member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Religious Life, member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars, member of the Cardinal Newman Society, member of Serra International, and vice president of the Sedes Sapientiae Foundation. He currently serves as vice president of the Orate Pastoral Liturgical Institute and principal at Blessed Trinity School (formerly St. Michael School) in Dane.
Besides his own personal devotion to the Catholic Church, including all the parishes of which he has been a member, Karls brings to marriage preparation experience in catechetical instruction on family and marriage, having taught a college-level course on marriage and family and the social teachings of the Church.
“I am delighted and excited to assist the Diocese of Madison and couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony,” Karls said. “This opportunity is a blessing and beneficial for my own vocation as a husband and father, and I hope to be of benefit and service to others as well.”
“I am very excited to have Jeff join the Marriage Preparation team,” said Andy Galvin, coordinator of marriage and family and associate director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. “We have big plans to continue the success of the marriage prep program and to reach out further to support existing marriages and families throughout the diocese. Jeff brings a wealth of experience that will prove very beneficial to all those we serve.”
“The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis is very pleased to welcome Jeff Karls to our staff,” said Patrick Delaney, director of Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. “Jeff’s expertise and experience will contribute much in assisting the expansion and effectiveness of our efforts in the crucial area of marriage and family. We look forward to offering parishes in the Diocese of Madison enhanced support for our vital common mission in this regard.”