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Center for Catholic Education at UD

Meet the Staff Series - Jacinta Mergler

Jacinta Mergler is the next CCE staff member that we would like to introduce to our readers! Jacinta is the Director of the Lalanne program, and this summer begins her 12th year working for the Center. Her hometown is Louisville, KY and in 1976 she moved to Ohio to go to college. She attended Edgecliff College which is a Catholic College run by the Sisters of Mercy in Cincinnati, OH. Continue reading to find out more about Jacinta...


What do you do at the CCE? I am the Director of Lalanne.


Describe your family: I have been  married 36 years to my husband, Michael. We have four children ranging in age from 27-32, 3 daughters and a son.  We also have 4 grandchildren, 2 boys and 2 girls!


What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I like walking on the beach and when I can’t be there I like being at home, baking or gardening.


Why do you support Catholic Education? I grew up in Catholic schools. My parents made sacrifices so the six of us could attend Catholic grade school and high school. Catholic education supported the faith life my parents were teaching us at home and it helped develop my skills and talents in a way that I would be of service to others in the world.


What Catholic Education topic are you most passionate about?  Not anything specific, just passionate about Catholic Education in general.


Why do you look forward to coming to work every day? I enjoy coming to work because I like the people I work with and I think my work is seen and valued at the University of Dayton as an important connection to the Catholic community. There is variety in my job and lots of surprises!


What is one piece of advice you would give to Catholic Educators? Teach from faith first.  You have the opportunity to help shape the souls of the students in your care! Help them to get to know Jesus. This is what is most important! Sit at your desk every morning before students come in and ask God to help you accomplish what he wants done today in your classroom.


Who is your role model? Describe him/her/them: My role model is our Blessed Mother, Mary. My parents named me after Jacinta of Fatima, one of the young shepherds Mary appeared to in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. Mary’s example of faith in God’s plan for her life is an inspiration to me!


Tell us three fun facts about you: I like to visit wineries, especially local ones. I enjoy learning about the vineyards and what grapes grow well in Ohio climates. I’ve helped harvest grapes in the fall. I’ve learned to pair wines with foods and learned to use wine in cooking.  I collect interesting seashells and stones from the beaches I visit, ocean beaches and great lakes beaches. I love being “Memaw” to my grandkids…playing with them, reading to them, and making cookies!


Here are some quotes about Jacinta from her fellow CCE staff members:


“Is totally committed to Lalanne and making sure it lives out the mission of the Marianists. She is humble of heart and a woman of deep faith.”


“Jacinta is a faith-filled woman who shares her passion for the Catholic faith and devotion to Mary with all who know her.  She is very deserving of becoming a Marianist Education Associate this year and will no doubt do a great job of emulating the Marianist charisms.”


“I love Jacinta’s humor as well as her ability to have deep conversations with others about anything that is important to them. She is a mentor, a support system, and she exemplifies Mary’s motherly love.”



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