Since September 2002, Father Lajiness has been teaching college philosophy at Sacred Heart Major Seminary as assistant professor while serving as director of undergraduate seminarians. A Bachelor of Philosophy graduate of the seminary in 1990, he recently served as secretary to Edmund Cardinal Szoka at the Vatican City State, Italy, from 1997-2002.  Father Lajiness is a native of Monroe, Michigan, where he was born on June 22, 1968.

"I am grateful for the confidence that Cardinal Maida has placed in me," Father says, while also noting the appointment "came as a surprise." 

"I am very excited about working with the faculty and staff of Sacred Heart, whom I already deeply admire. We have wonderful people here and a superb vision of formation for ministry, both priestly and lay."        
    
"Sacred Heart has advanced in quality and scope as an academic institution over the past decade. I will work toward continuing the momentum we already have."

Father's educational background has prepared him well to assume the dean's position, in which he will be responsible for curriculum and faculty development. His degrees include a Bachelor of Sacred Theology and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from
the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome (1993 and 1995), and a Licentiate and Doctorate in Philosophy from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome (2000 and 2002). 
  
After his 1995 priestly ordination for the Archdiocese of Detroit, Father was associate pastor at Our Lady of Victory Parish, Northville, from 1995-97. His first teaching experience came as an assistant professor of undergraduate theology at Sacred Heart, 1996-97.

Cardinal Maida praises Father's "wonderful blend of youth and experience with theological and philosophical training." Of special value, says the cardinal, is the administrative experience Father gained while assisting Cardinal Szoka in Rome for four years. Says Cardinal Maida, "He will be an excellent role model for the seminarians and will be sensitive to the needs of the lay pastoral ministry students, as well."

Sacred Heart's new rector (as of May 1), Fr. Steven Boguslawski, OP, considers Father Lajiness a "fine choice" to succeed him as dean of studies. 

"Father Lajiness has proven administrative ability. He has experience of the international Church that can broaden the perspective of our students." His expertise in the classroom teaching philosophy, says Father Boguslawski, will enable Father Lajiness to be "sensitive to the integration of the college and theologate faculties in carrying out the mission of the seminary." 

The new dean of studies looks forward to working with Father Boguslawski, as well, with whom he has "already established a very positive relationship, one that I am sure will continue and mature." 

"I have great confidence in his leadership," Father Lajiness says.

Though his appointment begins on May 1, Father Lajiness will not assume his new duties until mid-June. He is currently abroad in southern Mexico, serving as faculty moderator to eleven undergraduate seminarians on a six-week "Apostolic Experience," a pilgrimage of missionary activity, language studies and cultural sensitivity.