Br. William Ciganek, C.F.X., '67 Returns to The Mount

9/28/2026

Mount Saint Joseph is welcoming back a familiar face this year as Brother William Ciganek, C.F.X., ’67 returns to The Mount as a volunteer in Campus Ministry and the library.

Brother William joined us on campus in late August. He serves in Campus Ministry on Mondays and Fridays and in the library on Wednesdays, where he is enjoying the opportunity to connect with students, faculty, and staff.

Brother William’s return to Mount Saint Joseph is especially fitting this year, as the school celebrates its 150th anniversary. When he first joined the faculty 50 years ago, it was during the school’s centennial celebration in 1976. He taught theology for two years and later served nine years on the school’s Board of Directors.

After teaching at MSJ, Brother William spent 30 years at Xavier High School in Middletown, Connecticut, before returning to Maryland and serving the past 16 years in parish ministry. Most recently, he served at Saint Stephen Church in Kingsville. When the opportunity arose to return to The Mount, he welcomed the chance to once again serve the school community.

“I said yes immediately,” he shared. “I have always loved Mount Saint Joseph High School.”

In his role today, Brother William hopes to be a welcoming presence throughout campus. “I pray that God is able to use me as an instrument so that I can bring his love to all those I come into contact with,” he says. “I meet people and talk with them, try to foster the five virtues of the Xaverian charism, and be of assistance wherever I can.”

He has also enjoyed working in the library, where he would spend much of his time as a student helping Brother Donald Coffey, C.F.X., for whom the library is now named.

While Brother William hopes his presence will allow today’s students to experience the influence of a Xaverian Brother, he has found that the learning goes both ways.

“I’m learning a lot from the students too,” he said.

He has been particularly impressed by the faith of MSJ students and their understanding of discipleship, while also enjoying conversations with faculty about the changes in Catholic education. Most of all, he said he has been struck by how warmly the entire community has welcomed him back.

“I’m just having a great time,” Brother William said. “It’s really a lot of fun to be at The Mount.”

As MSJ celebrates 150 years of educating young men in the Xaverian tradition, Brother William’s return offers a meaningful connection between the school’s past and present, as he helps carry The Mount’s mission forward for the next generation.

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