Fr. Jacob Epstein Named President of Saint Albert Catholic School
by Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools | April 13, 2026
COUNCIL BLUFFS — Saint Albert Catholic School is pleased to announce that Fr. Jacob Epstein has been appointed as school president, effective for the 2026-2027 academic year. Fr. Epstein, who currently serves as the pastor of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Council Bluffs, will lead the school’s mission of providing a "cradle-to-college" Catholic education focused on academic excellence and spiritual formation.
Fr. Epstein is a familiar face within the Saint Albert community. He has already been deeply involved in the school’s ministry and strategic planning initiatives, providing a foundation for a seamless transition into this leadership role.
A graduate of Urbandale High School, Fr. Epstein earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University before pursuing his vocation. He completed his major seminary formation at The Saint Paul Seminary in Minnesota and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Des Moines on June 25, 2021. Prior to his current role at St. Peter’s – where he will remain as pastor alongside his role as president – he served as parochial vicar at Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs.
"In appointing Fr. Jacob Epstein as president, we accent and enhance the priority placed upon Saint Albert Catholic School within our overall Gospel mission,” said Bishop William Joensen. “Fr. Jacob possesses the requisite vision and aptitude for this role, and is well-suited to oversee and integrate the spiritual and academic aspects of this mission. His deep commitment to forming and accompanying students in faith and wisdom will help them advance along the path to their God-given destiny. I am deeply grateful to Fr. Epstein for accepting this additional appointment."
Fr. Epstein will continue his duties at St. Peter’s Catholic Church while serving in this new role.
A Unified Vision for Strategic Growth
The appointment of Fr. Epstein completes a significant expansion of the Saint Albert leadership team. He joins two other recent high-level hires: Mike Murtagh, the school’s first chief advancement officer, and Todd Barnett, the incoming middle school-high school administrator.
This new leadership trio will work in close collaboration with Saint Albert’s existing administrators: Chief Academic Officer Pat Ryan and ECE-Elementary Administrator Holly DeRocher. Together, this team is charged with the implementation of Saint Albert’s newly established strategic plan, which is designed to ensure operational stability, fiscal sustainability, and the continued elevation of academic standards across all grade levels.
"What a great time to be at Saint Albert. I am excited to work alongside the leadership team, our parishes, and our great teachers and staff,” said Fr. Epstein. “Saint Albert will continue to teach the truth and form our students in the good so they can go out and be a blessing to their families, parishes, communities, and the world."
About Saint Albert Catholic School
Founded in 1964, Saint Albert Catholic School is a Catholic, PreK–12 school dedicated to faith formation, academic excellence, and service. As the only birth through 12th-grade academic system in southwest Iowa, Saint Albert serves more than 750 students across a "cradle-to-college" model. To learn more, visit www.saintalbertschools.org.
About Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
The Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools includes 16 schools in 23 counties in central and southwest Iowa. Catholic schools in the Diocese build Christ-centered, collaborative, inclusive partnerships with parents, students, and parishes to provide innovative academic excellence and inspirational faith formation for students. To learn more, visit www.dmdiocese.org/catholic-schools/.
COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT:
Jake Shama, Director of Marketing and Enrollment Management
jshama@dmdiocese.org
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