Fr. Matthew Kovar’s path to the priesthood wasn’t a straight line—it was a winding journey through the Bohemian Alps of Nebraska, a brief stint as a science major, and a spiritual awakening that changed the course of his life.
Now, as he steps into a new role as Administrator in Training at Pius X Catholic High School in Lincoln, he brings with him a deep love for education, a passion for youth ministry, and a vision rooted in relationship, presence, and purpose.
Raised in the countryside outside David City, Fr. Kovar grew up surrounded by rolling hills and a tight-knit Catholic community. “School was my foundation for community,” he recalls. “I didn’t have many neighbors, so my friendships and relationships were built in the classroom.” That early love for learning led him to dream of becoming a science teacher, inspired by a high school teacher who, though not Catholic, found ways to weave faith into her lessons.
He enrolled at Wayne State College to pursue that dream—but God had other plans.
A chance encounter with a young woman seeking to return to her faith became a turning point. As they began attending Mass and praying together, Fr. Kovar found himself drawn into a deeper relationship with Christ. “I realized I had been Catholic my whole life, but I didn’t really know Jesus,” he says. “That relationship changed everything.”
Still, he resisted the call to priesthood. “I had my life figured out. I was praying for my future wife every day in high school,” he laughs. But after a series of unmistakable signs—delivered, he says, in the exact order he asked for—he made a deal with God and entered seminary. “It wasn’t the most traditional way to discern a vocation,” he admits, “but it was the only way I was going to take it seriously. And I’m so glad I did.”
Now entering his fifth year as a priest, Fr. Kovar is bringing that same spirit of discernment and dedication to his new role at Pius X. While he’s stepping into administrative duties, he’s also staying grounded in the classroom, teaching freshman theology. “It’s important for administrators to stay connected to students and understand what teachers are experiencing on the front lines,” he says.
This year, he’s especially excited to help implement a new diocesan theology curriculum—the first major update in over a decade.
“It’s a big moment for Catholic education in our diocese,” he says. “We’re not just teaching doctrine. We’re forming disciples.”
Fr. Kovar’s vision for Pius X is deeply relational. He sees his priesthood not just as a sacramental role, but as a form of spiritual fatherhood.
“My favorite part of being a priest is walking with the kids, watching them grow, and being a support system,” he says. “In a world where so many are craving love and affirmation, that presence matters.”
He’s especially passionate about his chaplaincy to the school’s arts department, where he’s a regular presence at rehearsals, performances, and competitions.
“I did theater and speech growing up, so I love being involved,” he says. “The more present you are, the more trust you build—and that opens the door to real conversations.”
Fr. Kovar is also helping lead a cultural shift within the school’s leadership team, introducing a model called “Working Genius” to help staff align their responsibilities with their natural strengths. “It’s about making work more joyful and effective,” he explains. “When people are doing what energizes them, the whole team thrives.”
That emphasis on collaboration was evident during a recent administrative retreat, where the team spent over ten hours together—praying, planning, and even reassigning tasks based on each person’s “genius.” Far from being exhausting, the day left Fr. Kovar energized. “It was one of the best meetings I’ve ever been part of,” he says. “We left excited about the future.”
At the heart of Fr. Kovar’s leadership is a desire to help students prioritize their relationship with Christ. “So many young people want to figure out their vocation first, and then figure out how to love God,” he says. “But it’s the other way around. If you know and love God, He’ll show you your path.”
He speaks with compassion about the burdens today’s teens carry—pressures and wounds that often go unseen. “They’re dealing with things they shouldn’t have to at their age,” he says. “That’s why I pray for them every day.”
When asked what he wants the Pius X community to know about him, his answer is simple: “You’re going to see me everywhere. I love being here. I love the kids. I love the mission.”
And that mission, for Fr. Kovar, is clear: to form tomorrow’s Catholic leaders by helping them know Christ, love the Church, and discover their God-given purpose.
