Florida Catholic | St. Petersburg Catholic Bids Farewell To Two Salesians

St. Petersburg Catholic bids farewell to two Salesians

Published: 06.06.08

Father John Serio, left, Salesian priest and St. Petersburg Catholic principal, thanks those who came to his and Salesian Father John Grinsell’s May 22 goodbye reception.
JANET SHELTON | FC

ST. PETERSBURG | About 200 people came to St. Petersburg Catholic High School the evening of May 22 to say goodbye to school principal Father John Serio and faculty member Father John Grinsell, who are being reassigned by their order.

Those attending a reception for the priests included past and present students and staff, and supporters of the school.

Many penned their memories and best wishes for the two Salesians on identical framed photos of the cross that once graced Notre Dame Academy and now stands on the grounds of the high school.

Known for his wit and wisdom, Father John Grinsell, has served at St. Petersburg Catholic since 2002. His work included guiding the transitions to high school of the school’s ninth-grade students and helping seniors as they made life and education decisions in the months before graduation.

Father John Serio became principal in 2004. A school spokesperson said the priest’s accomplishments include raising the academic standards of the school and bringing a duel-enrollment plan with St. Petersburg College to fruition. Father Serio also is known for helping find ways to secure a Catholic education for teens who wanted to attend the school but could not afford the tuition.

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St. Petersburg Catholic bids farewell to two Salesians

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