The Charles family is heavily involved in Catholic education. Elizabeth serves as the principal of St. Joseph Catholic School in Ost, while David is the principal of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School in Wichita. Their son, Fr. Hayden, is the chaplain at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita.

David and Liz Charles are both principals of Catholic schools. Their children attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school graduation. One of their children, Hayden, is now a priest of the Diocese of Wichita and was recently assigned as the chaplain at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School.

David Charles has been the principal of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School since 1999, after teaching music in Maize public schools. He began his career at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Wichita.

“I started in Catholic education and always felt like that was home,” he said.

While teaching in the Maize school system, he was prompted by his administrator to consider administration, a move that provided a pathway back to working in Catholic schools.

Fr. Hayden’s Catholic schooling played a role in his vocation, David said.

“Both my wife and I are cradle Catholics and that was one thing we agreed upon when we got married. We wanted to raise our family in the faith, and if possible, we wanted our children to attend a Catholic school – to be fully immersed in the faith.”

He noted that the diocese’s adoption of the stewardship way of life helped make that a reality.

The interview with The Advance was conducted four days into the school year, so David said he and his wife weren’t yet sharing any “war” stories. Elizabeth is the new principal of St. Joseph School in Ost.

“It’s kind of funny because SEAS is on the larger side of Catholic Schools and (St. Joe) Ost is on the smaller side of Catholic schools and so while we’re still teaching the faith, there’s a little bit of difference between a small rural school compared to a suburban school,” he said.

“Liz will call me and ask questions as a new administrator and my answer has been ‘I don’t know. I have people who do that for me.’ That’s the one thing we’ve found so far that’s funny.”

David expressed gratitude for what Catholic education has brought to their lives: “We’re happy that’s where God has landed us,” he said.

Liz Charles reflected on their ability to send their three children to Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school: “And Hayden went on to the seminary,” she said. “I would like to believe that David and I played some part in that, but I really think it was the Catholic schools that formed him to become a priest.”

She added: “But again, I think being fortunate enough to put all three of our children through a Catholic education is what really formed all three of them.”

Liz highlighted how her role allows her to live out her faith more fully: “Being able to live my faith every single day, attend Mass every single day... increases my faith and my love of God,” she said.

Fr. Hayden Charles acknowledged how his upbringing influenced him: “The foundation...was at home with mom and dad taking us to Mass...Catholic school education was able to build upon that.”

He emphasized his parents' role as educators: “We received it at home so I’m sure that’s the environment they are creating at their schools.”

Returning as chaplain at BCCHS feels surreal for Fr. Charles: “It’s kind of surreal to return,” he said, adding his excitement about working with students again.

Reflecting on past influences such as Fr. Ben Sawyer during his own time at BCCHS, Fr. Charles described it as an overwhelming yet enjoyable experience so far.

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