Developing Skills
Santiago Catholic Trade School operates on a revolving cohort system – each semester we accept 15 new students that join the ranks of our two year program. The work of developing the hearts, minds, and trade skills of young men moves from an initial orientation at Santiago Retreat Center, through months of growth in work ethic, jobsite knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and manly friendship, to the culmination of leading work projects and gaining precise knowledge in one main trade. The student-to-teacher ratio is to be below 5:1, giving our students an up-close and personal experience.
Friendship is a key pillar of our program at Santiago, where men are formed alongside one another & for the sake of building each other up. Our community at Santiago Trade School is formed on the model of Christ’s body, where the common good is desired, individual talents are put to use, and mutual support is given for the sake of accomplishing a common goal.
Practical Wisdom
STS guides its men in the path of wisdom. As a man’s soul lives both on this earth and in the heavenly places (Colossians 3), Santiago forms trade students in both the practical wisdom that produces earthly results, and the spiritual wisdom that draws men to God. The psalmist writes that Christ would lift up his head after drinking from the stream (Psalm 110), and so Santiago men are equipped to stoop down to the stream of daily labor and hard work, as well as to be lifted up unto their Father who dwells in Heaven.
First of all, students at Santiago will learn the trade skills necessary to build their own home someday… literally. Daily work projects involve building the Santiago Retreat Center itself – students are to help serve the mission of the retreat center by constructing housing structures that will more than double its current capacity. Thus, from pouring concrete foundations to wood framing to electrical work to every other trade necessary to build housing, our men will gain invaluable practical experience.
Spiritual Formation
Santiago Trade Catholic School uses not only the wing of practical experience, but also flies with the swift wing of spiritual wisdom. Students will enjoy a low student/faculty ratio of less than 5:1. Students enter a two-year formation program that gives life & light to the manly soul, developing men who seek first the kingdom of God, and only then look to earthly riches and the joys of this life. Santiago men will engage in daily prayer as well as bi-weekly formation courses. The Holy Mass is to be the center of each day, and the point of stability on which all else hinges.
The formation program is intellectually challenging, though fit for the busy life of learning the trades. Students will study classic works of philosophy and theology, like GK Chesterton’s Everlasting Man and St. Teresa’s Interior Castle, while forming virtuous habits that are sure to bear much fruit. To pray and to work, ora et labora, is something of a summation of the Christian life, and yet that pair cannot be complete without the further foundation of study.
Hugh Hewitt talks with Fr. Glenn Baaten & Mark McElrath about the SantiagoTradeSchool.com
Mission: Built upon the solid foundations of work, study & friendship, Santiago Catholic Trade School forms young men into excellent Christian tradesmen. We are a community committed to the tough work of gaining practical jobsite wisdom as well as the spiritual wisdom that unites men to Christ.
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The Life of a Tradesman
Some are called journeymen or foremen or even supers. Some swing the hammer, others lay pipe. None of them are wasting their time, and each loves his hot lunch! But what is a tradesman, really? He is a skilled man who accomplishes a definite and particular work. He lays his hands to some task that shares in a greater work than his own contribution. His finished product speaks of his skill, and the tough work leading to that product is his challenge. Most of all, the tradesman participates in God’s sustaining work that provides for the fruitful life of man and society.
Father Glenn Baaten | Chaplain / Director of Formation
Fr. Glenn is a Roman Catholic priest in the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, or “The Anglican Ordinariate”. As an Ordinariate priest, he is a former Anglican priest who has come into full communion with the Catholic Church. Married to his dear wife of 37 years, Cathy, he is the grateful father of two adult children, Christine and Adam, and is the blessed grandfather of three.
Fr. Glenn is also the Chaplain at Santiago Retreat Center where he celebrates daily Mass and offers the sacraments. He leads the Trade Students as well as staff and retreatants in faith formation. His work spans beyond the typical chaplain and gets his hands dirty with various construction project on the campus. He also serves as the Parochial Administrator at St. John Henry Newman in Irvine CA.
Father Philip Sullivan O.C.D. | Asst. Chaplain
Mark Padilla | Headmaster
Mark Edward Padilla is a husband and a father of 5 children. He has worked for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in many capacities since 1985. He began as a coach in Catholic Youth Organization, and has been a Confirmation Catechist, an RCIA Instructor, and an Elementary School Teacher at St. Anthony in San Gabriel and St. Joseph in La Puente, California. Prior to 2014 he had served as an adult leader for the Boy Scouts of America as a Den Leader, Cubmaster and a Troop Leader. Mark also served as a delegate from the San Gabriel Pastoral Region for the 2003 Synod, was on the Region's initial Pastoral Council, and was the Chairperson for the Evangelization and the "New Evangelization" Standing Committee. The Knights of Columbus has been a major focus in Mark's life, and he has also worked significantly with the Guadalupe Pregnancy Services, the Arcángel Film Festival, the Newman Club of Los Angeles, and Follow Our Lady LLC. He became a full time member of the Santiago Retreat Center Staff in June of 2022 as an Executive High School Retreat Manager.
Alex Lessard, PhD. | Philosophy
Founder & President of Adeodatus & Adeodatus Academy | Executive Co-Director of The Cornerstone Forum | Adjunct - Institute for Catholic School Leadership / St. Paul Seminary-UST | Theology Faculty - Rosary College
Mayra Brown | Director of Admissions
Mayra Brown is a dynamic professional with over 25 years of leadership in the areas of development, marketing, and strategic initiatives. She began her career opening hotels for the Marriott corporation and was soon running the Professional Development Institute at Cal Poly Pomona, which educated and consulted with some of the most influential organizations in the country. Mayra went on to hold several executive positions with large corporations always resulting in exponential growth. She is particularly adept at building productive relationships to accomplish ambitious goals and achieve business results serving a wide array of clients from for-profit sectors to NGOs.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Mayra holds a leadership position at the Santiago Catholic Trade School, where her dedication to educational excellence and community service shines. Her role involves shaping the future leaders of the industry by providing strategic direction and fostering an environment that encourages innovation and growth. Her efforts at Santiago Trade School have been instrumental in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.
Mayra's unique blend of strategic insight, commitment to community service, and educational initiatives, especially in collaboration with Catholic outreach ministries, makes her an invaluable asset in any organization seeking to grow in the areas of leadership, education, and community engagement. Her extensive experience and successful track record in driving results through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions underscore her status as a thought leader dedicated to creating meaningful impacts in the communities and organizations she serves.
Matt Garvey | Resident Life Supervisor
Matthew Garvey hosts The Journey podcast for Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry. He also works with the ministry's Dunamis group, with a special focus on young adult ministry.
Bruce Brown | Mechanical Technology Tutor
Bruce D. Brown is a seasoned executive with extensive expertise spanning nearly three decades in public administration, beginning with the City of West Covina, City Managers office and later with the City of Los Angeles Police Department (civilian position) and finally World Airports. His notable accomplishments include working at the newly re-constructed Ontario International Airport and then transitioning to LAX in the Risk Management Division. Managing the Risk Management Division, Bruce was responsible for supervising a large staff; developing policies for self-insured retentions, placing large aviation liability and property and Terrorism insurance placements, Managing several large Owners Controlled Insurance Programs; Risk mitigation, and safety-loss inspection programs as well as coordinating litigation defense and strategy on insured civil court cases and finally presenting reports to the Board of Airport Commissioners and City Council.
In addition to his risk management proficiency, Bruce's skill set extends to mechanical and trade skills such as HVAC, plumbing, machinery, automotive and general construction. Additionally, Bruce enjoys hiking, fishing and camping in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Finally, Bruce has completed all classes in the Masters of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Bob Wehn | Construction Tutor
Bob Wehn has been happily married for 26 years to his beloved wife, with whom he has three amazing children. His diverse professional background spans banking, law enforcement as a reserve deputy sheriff, and over two decades as a contractor running his own stone fabrication business.
Inspired by his grandfather, who built a family cabin in the 1950s, Bob fulfilled his dream of building his own home in 2014. This experience allowed him to learn various trades, a passion he now shares with young men at Santiago Catholic Trade School. In this unique setting, Bob is able to impart his knowledge while fully living out his Catholic faith.
Joel Perez | Electrician Tutor
With 30 years of experience as an Electrical Tradesman, Joel Perez has cultivated a deep passion for the electrical field. After attending DeVry University and working as a digital electronics technician, his love for electrical work led him to pursue a career as an electrician. He dedicated several years to studying and attending electrical trade schools, such as the Associated Builders and Contractors School, while working as an apprentice with some of the finest electrical companies in Orange County.
Eventually, Joel became an electrical contractor and spent two decades running his own electrical trade business, managing a team of employees. He is now blessed with the opportunity to share his extensive life experience and electrical trade knowledge with the young tradesmen at Santiago Catholic Trade School.
Ed Eccleston | Woodworking & Cabinetry Tutor
Started in the appliance and kitchen industry around 1975 , working in sales, delivery and installation. Received General Building contractor’s license in 1984, and specialized in kitchen design and remodeling. Purchased a local cabinet shop in 1993 specializing in custom cabinets. Ed received a C-6 Cabinets and Millwork classification, and spent 30 years doing residential, commercial, medical and industrial casework from design through completion.
Chelsea Cox | Bursar
Chelsea Cox has lived in Orange County, CA, her entire life. She pursued her education in Child & Adolescent Development and Psychology, earning separate degrees in each field, along with a certification in Infant/Toddler care. Chelsea's love for numbers began in her youth when balancing her dad’s checkbook was a highlight of her day, a passion that led her to build a career in administration and finance while continuing her studies in child development and psychology.
Chelsea strongly believes that part of becoming a man is preparing for the future home they will build, both literally and figuratively. She emphasizes not only the hands-on physical aspects of building a home but also the importance of working with animals and each other. This holistic approach encourages students to develop patience and nurturing qualities, essential for transforming a house into a loving home with their future wife and children.
In her free time, you can find Chelsea tending to her animals and finding peace within God’s wonderful landscape when hiking and traveling.
Karen Wozney | Farm Management Tutor
Karen Wozney has spent the past 20 years teaching horseback riding to beginners, sharing her passion and expertise on a friend's farm in Jamul, California. Born and raised just outside of Chicago, Karen moved to California in 1997, embracing the rural lifestyle with enthusiasm.
Karen has a deep affinity for animals, particularly chickens, which she considers her favorite. Her hands-on experience extends to processing (butchering) chickens, meat rabbits, pigs, and cows, showcasing her comprehensive knowledge of farm life.
In addition to her work with animals, Karen has developed skills in various homesteading activities, including jarring honey, making soap, and preparing homemade jelly. These endeavors reflect her dedication to self-sufficiency and craftsmanship.
Karen is also a devoted mother of four and a proud grandmother to one granddaughter, balancing her professional pursuits with a fulfilling family life.
Located on 800 beautiful acres in the foothills of Orange County
Our goal at Santiago is not to amass earthly riches, though our graduates will do that, nor is it to have fraternal fun, even as we will enjoy that. Santiago Catholic Trade School has the unique mission of building upon the foundations of work, study, and friendship to produce excellent Christian tradesmen. An excellent tradesman is marked by his experience at work, his wisdom in problem solving on the job, and his daily diligence to produce good works for Christ. Santiago men understand that Christian work is a sacrificial offering to Our Lord, and that only work well done is worth offering to Him.
The foundations of work, study, and friendship
A Unique Faith Community
Santiago men will engage in daily prayer as well as bi-weekly formation courses. The Holy Mass is to be the center of each day, and the point of stability on which all else hinges. The formation program is intellectually challenging, though fit for the busy life of learning the trades. Students will study classic works of philosophy and theology, like GK Chesterton’s Everlasting Man and St. Teresa’s Interior Castle, while forming virtuous habits that are sure to bear much fruit. To work & to pray, ora et labora, is something of a summation of the Christian life, and yet that pair cannot be complete without the further foundation of study.
Would you consider being a school benefactor?
As we move forward, we ask you to join us on our stewardship journey. It will be a timeless pilgrimage, but one with critical benchmarks. We named this philanthropic endeavor “The Camino Ambassadors” with the hope that you will take an active role by visiting us and learning how your participation in this new Catholic trade school will make a major impact on young men develop skills while growing closer to Jesus. Please visit us soon and pray for our work.
