Is St. John Neumann a church or a school? It's kind of like asking if Jesus Christ was a leader or a servant.

It's difficult to decipher where one ends and the other one begins.

St. John Neumann is both a Catholic church and school. In a way, they are two separate entities functioning as one.

"They're related to each other because the school is supported by the parish financially and through prayer," said Fr. Dan Powell, the pastor of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and School. "They're separate in the sense that the school draws students from other Catholic parishes and other religious backgrounds. This past year, 20% of the school's budget came from the parish. People know their money is going to the school. It's an investment in the future. We think that Catholic education makes a difference in a child's life and spiritual well-being."

Located at 601 E. Delp Road, Lancaster, St. John Neumann Church is home to 2,600 families and 7,500 total parishioners. This school year, St. John Neumann School, which is named in honor of the Philadelphia bishop who founded the Catholic school system in the United States, will host 220 students from prekindergarten through eighth grade.

Since the former St. Anne's Catholic School moved its operation to St. John Neumann four years ago, the school has witnessed steady growth, from 130 students in 2020-21 to 170 in 2021-22 to 200 in 2022-23 to 210 students last year.

St. John Neumann's 2024-25 school year will begin Monday, Aug. 26.

"There are some people who are looking for better education opportunities for their children," said Powell. "We have the ability to work really close with all of our families and have a sense of the particular needs of all our families."

St. John Neumann, which falls under the auspices of the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, is one of six elementary and middle schools in Lancaster County that help populate Lancaster Catholic High School (LCHS). Powell said that a majority - up to 98% - of St. John Neumann students continue their education at LCHS.

"When you have a school at a church, it changes the entire dynamic," said Powell, a 60-year-old native of Philadelphia who has been serving St. John Neumann for the last eight years. "If you drive up to the church on a school day, you can expect to see kids. The parking lot is just full of life."

With classes that range in size from 15 to 25 students, St. John Neumann employs 25 full- and part-time teachers and aides, a cafeteria staff of three and one principal. The school offers varying forms of financial aid and tuition assistance.

"The goal is that no one is ever turned away," said Powell. "But we all have a role to play."

Because of St. John Neumann's purposes in the community, there is a sense of duality to Powell's role as well.

"My role is to guide the parish family and lead people closer to God," said Powell. "My job is to lead the church from a spiritual point of view. It's almost like being the CEO of a company. You're overseeing everything and trying to know everything that is going on, but you're also trusting people to help you."

For additional information about St. John Neumann Catholic Church and School, go to http://www.sjnlancaster.org.