By Megan Gilmore
An office bookshelf brimming with volumes on theology, organizational management, and fitness demonstrates the Rev. Carl F. Janicki’s belief in developing mind, body, and spirit.
The College’s newly appointed director of Campus Ministry practices what he preaches, and stresses that education is a fundamental building block to leading a well-balanced life.
From nursery school until his arrival at Cabrini, Father Janicki never missed a semester of education, whether he was taking classes for undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate work.
“I believe that education affords you a sense of discipline, development, and engagement as a lifelong learner,” he says. “With education, to me, comes opportunity. I want my story to back that up.”
And it has. Father Janicki earned a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, and a certificate from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. He earned a master of science in training and organizational development at Saint Joseph’s University, and did post-graduate studies at Gwynedd-Mercy College, Chestnut Hill College, and Temple University.
Father Janicki now is completing research for perhaps his final degree, a doctorate in educational leadership at Neumann University, before he switches his focus to be more of a mentor than a learner. He will teach a “College Success Seminar” course this fall and has intentions of teaching more in the future.
Father Janicki looks forward to continuing a Janicki family legacy at Cabrini. His mother, Nancy, was an adult continuing education student, earning a bachelor’s degree in organizational management in 2001, and his brother, Girvin, earned a degree in history in 2007.
Father Janicki, a graduate of the former St. Pius X High School in Pottstown, served as president of Cardinal Dougherty High School for five years until its closure in 2010. He was in his seventh year as Dougherty’s Campus Minister when he got the call to step up as president.
“The experience was challenging,” he says, reflecting on the considerable shift in responsibility. “I hope people walked away thinking that a priest can still make a positive and meaningful contribution.”
In 12 years at the high school, Father Janicki came to know the staff and students well. He always makes a point of trying to know everyone’s name, which in turn, helped him in his journey to Cabrini College. Diana Vilares ’09, a graduate of both Cardinal Dougherty and Cabrini, wrote a letter of recommendation for his current position.
“By trying to know people’s names, it is an effort to open the door to building trust, relationships, and a community journeying through life’s ups and downs together,” Father Janicki says.
At Cabrini, Father Janicki continues to build upon programs and activities that were already in place, while also working on a few new plans of his own.
“Growing from the strengths that already exist is important,” he says, referring to student leadership and involvement, a tradition of service, and dedicated staff. “Using the various models that have worked well here, we added a few service opportunities, and also formed a Liturgy Committee.”
Father Janicki every day tries to impart his mantra, which is to be prayerful, respectful, helpful, and grateful.
When he’s not leading Campus Ministry efforts, attending classes, serving the community, or connecting with students, Father Janicki finds time for his athletic endeavors. With nearly 40 other members of the College community, Father Janicki ran the Broad Street Run this spring. He skis, plays golf, and has white water rafted on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon and on the Gauley River in West Virginia.
Father Janicki resides at St. Genevieve Parish in Flourtown, Pa., where he assists with Mass and other responsibilities.