LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s Ryken High School has appointed William Bolin as its new director of St. Mary’s Ryken campus ministry, drawing on his experience as a theology educator and pastoral leader. Bolin, known as Will, has been part of the school since 2022 and will guide spiritual initiatives at the Catholic institution.
Bolin’s selection underscores his impact within St. Mary’s Ryken campus ministry circles, where he has taught theology courses, coached students and led retreats. He received the Archdiocese of Washington’s Novice Teacher of the Year award in 2024 for his work in introductory and upper-level theology classes, as well as his role on the Faculty Advisory Council.
Before arriving at St. Mary’s Ryken, Bolin worked three years as Catholic campus minister at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, located nearby in St. Mary’s City. In that position, he expanded student involvement nearly six times, introduced a spiritual direction program, oversaw RCIA processes, guided student leaders and boosted fundraising and outreach. His approach emphasized strong leadership, care for individuals and fostering relationships, influencing the college’s faith community significantly.
Bolin’s qualifications for directing St. Mary’s Ryken campus ministry include advanced studies in theology completed in Rome and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology from St. Joseph’s College of Maine. He is pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration at the University of Mary. Additionally, Bolin spent time as a seminarian in the Archdiocese of Washington, forming ties with clergy and groups both locally and internationally.
“St. Mary’s Ryken has become my home, and I am honored to serve our school community in this new role,” said Mr. Bolin. “Campus Ministry is a passion of mine, and I hope to bring zeal, vision, and direction to our campus ministry program.”
As director of St. Mary’s Ryken campus ministry, Bolin will coordinate student retreats, schoolwide liturgies, daily Mass celebrations, service initiatives, the spiritual direction program and efforts to reach out to the community. He will also provide spiritual guidance and assistance to students, teachers and staff throughout the campus.
St. Mary’s Ryken sits on an 87-acre waterfront property in Leonardtown, formed in 1981 through the merger of St. Mary’s Academy, founded in 1885 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, and Ryken High School. Sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers, the coeducational college preparatory school enrolls close to 700 students in grades nine through 12, standing as the sole Catholic high school linked to the Archdiocese of Washington in St. Mary’s County. The school offers more than 150 courses, with specialized tracks in areas like biomedical science, engineering and computer science, alongside a commitment to faith and service.
St. Mary’s Ryken campus ministry forms a core element of school life, involving over 200 students yearly in faith-building activities. These encompass daily Mass, monthly liturgies, retreats and service learning, open to students regardless of faith background, though 60% of the student body identifies as Catholic. The program promotes Xaverian values such as compassion, humility and zeal, helping students deepen their spiritual lives.
The Archdiocese of Washington supervises Catholic schooling in the District of Columbia and five Maryland counties, including St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles, which make up Southern Maryland. This network includes about 90 schools focused on instilling faith and promoting lifelong learning, with support like scholarships from the Catholic Education Foundation to improve access. In the region, options range from elementary schools like Archbishop Neale School in La Plata to institutions such as Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Solomons, operational since 1933.
Bolin’s background aligns with recent recognitions at St. Mary’s Ryken, where faculty members have been honored for service milestones and academic contributions. For example, the Class of 2024 garnered more than $23 million in scholarships, with an average of over $159,000 per graduate, reflecting the school’s emphasis on preparation for college and beyond. Bolin himself was named among Archdiocese of Washington teachers of the year in early 2025, alongside colleague Leanne Carr, for outstanding efforts in education.
Under Bolin’s direction, St. Mary’s Ryken campus ministry is poised to strengthen its programs, continuing a tradition of blending faith with academics. The school invites its community to welcome Bolin in this capacity, reinforcing a focus on service and unity.
