When someone mentions Mary Immaculate Church or School, it’s likely they’ll have some connection with Rita or Scott Ford. That’s because there doesn’t seem to be a place at the parish or school that the Ford family has not touched.
When their four children attended MIS, Rita served as PTC president twice, Library and Greeter Desk volunteer, Spiritual Enrichment Chair, Magazine Sales Chair, Room parent several times, and Scout leader. On top of being a wife, mom, and everything mentioned above, she wrote the St. Therese Study for MIS families (later published by Sophia Institute), served on the Catholic Identity Committee for the School Advisory Council, and sewed seven Auction quilts. Rita also worked as Family Life Director at the parish.
Scott also served as a Scout leader for the Mary Immaculate Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He also served at the Diocesan level where he led the Catholic Religious Emblem program. At the parish, Scott led the “That Man is You” program for three years.
Together, Rita and Scott sponsored engaged couples preparing for marriage and volunteered as catechists for the parish RCIA program. Their involvement didn’t end when their children moved on to high school. In fact, Scott recently assisted Sister Mary Anne and the School Advisory Council in developing a Strategic Plan for the school and Rita serves on the Parish Council. Together, they are cantors, choir members, and Eucharistic Ministers.
This extraordinary level of commitment and love of church and family originate from Rita’s family. Rita is the ninth of 10 children born to Charles and Phyllis Brandt. The Brandts were founding members of the parish and their two oldest daughters (Mary Beth and Patty) were students the first year MIS opened. All 10 of the Brandt children attended and graduated from MIS.
All four of Rita and Scott’s children attended MIS from K-8 and continued on through Catholic High schools.
The Ford’s four children attended MIS from K-8 and went on to attend Catholic high schools.
Sam, who is 29 years old, graduated from Franciscan University with a degree in Theology and Catechetics. He, his wife Sarah and their baby daughter, Marion, live in Kansas City, MO where Sam works as a Youth Minister at St. Therese Parish.
Jack, who is 26 years old, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Radio, TV, and Film. He lives and works in Austin as a video game writer.
Max is 20 years old and attends Seattle University where he is studying Creative Writing and Visual Arts.
Their youngest, Grace, is 18 years old and currently attends St. Edwards University where she is studying Theater and Psychology.
Rita and Scott Ford were selected as the Honorary Co-Chairs for the school’s 2022l Heart of Gold Auction because of their love of the parish and school over many years. We know you join us in congratulating them for this honor.
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For more information about the Heart of Gold Auction, click here.