Current News & Events

Getting to know Fr. Mattia, St. Bartholomew’s new Parochial Vicar

July 30th, 2025

St. Bartholomew’s welcomed its new parochial vicar, Fr. Mattia Cortigiani, in July.

A native of Empoli, Italy, Fr. Mattia came to Washington in 2012 to join the Redemptoris Mater Seminary of the Archdiocese of Washington. Ordained in 2022, he first served at St. Mary of the Mills in Laurel, ministering especially to the Hispanic Community there. Fueled by root beer, he is now ready to serve the Hispanic Community of Saint Bartholomew and wherever the Lord wants to take him.

St. Bart’s Welcomes New Principal, Kevin Giblin

August 28, 2023; written by K. Grant for the Our Parish Times newspaper

There are a few names in the Archdiocese of Washington that make an immediate impact when spoken – individuals who have had a tremendous influence on the lives of students and

families, who have helped shape schools and programs in our area. Without question, Kevin

Giblin is one of those names – a seasoned administrator, an esteemed educator and a

legendary coach.

St. Bartholomew School is thrilled to welcome Giblin as the school’s newest principal for the

2023-24 school year. Giblin is stepping into the role following the retirement of Frank English,

the school’s beloved principal for the past 6 years. Giblin comes to St. Bart’s by way of Mount

St. Mary’s, where he most recently worked in the University’s Advancement and Development

Office while also serving as Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator for their men’s lacrosse team. With his neat-as-a-pin office decorated with lacrosse helmets on the shelves, it’s clear that the sport has been a common thread throughout Giblin’s adulthood – not only as a coach at Georgetown Prep and Bishop O’Connell, but as a sideline fan cheering on his four children, Liam, Colin, Dempsey and Cormac.

Giblin truly transformed Georgetown Prep into a powerhouse program, and to honor his legacy, was inducted into the National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association Hall of Fame last winter. Giblin’s longest tenure was at Mater Dei School in Bethesda, where between 1987-2015, he taught Algebra and 8 th Grade Theology and served as Assistant Headmaster. Middle School was a great fit for Giblin, as he felt that was a great opportunity make a lasting impact on the boys and to set them up for success in the future.

Perhaps this was an added draw for Giblin to St. Bart’s. Giblin’s wife of 33 years, Karen, has

been an adored Kindergarten teacher at the school for 5 years, but Giblin admittedly hadn’t

spent much time on campus until last Spring when the principal opportunity arose. When he

saw the school’s beautiful 11 acre campus, met with the incredible faculty and staff, and got to

know the students, he felt what he described was “a calling” and saw an opportunity to build

something truly great. Needless to say, the feeling was mutual and St. Bart’s was very lucky to

lock Giblin in as it’s next leader.

Giblin joins St. Bart’s with great energy, exciting vision and a true passion for helping children

realize their potential. Ever the coach, Giblin is bringing action-oriented leadership and a true

growth mindset to the school. “As a coach, it is my job to put a player in a position to be

successful. It’s the same with students. At St. Bart’s, the bones here are good – the people, the students, and the campus—and it’s all about enhancing what’s in place.”