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Catholic Schools Week

Catholic Communities of Faith,Knowledge and Service

JANUARY 29, 2016 A SUPPLEMENT TO THE CATHOLIC STAR HERALD

By Junno Arocho EstevesCatholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — The educationalalliance among families, schools andstates is broken, causing a serious situ-ation that leads to selecting to educateonly “supermen” chosen solely basedon intelligence or wealth, Pope Francissaid.

“Behind this, there is always theghost of money — always,” he said.Education has become “too selectiveand elitist. It seems that only those peo-ple or persons who are at a certain levelor have a certain capacity have the rightto an education.”

The pope held an impromptu ques-tion-and-answer session Nov. 21 duringan audience with more than 2,000 par-ticipants in a conference marking the50th anniversary of the Second VaticanCouncil’s Declaration on ChristianEducation and the 25th anniversary of“Ex Corde Ecclesiae,” St. John Paul II’sapostolic constitution on Catholic uni-versities.

Among the participant were two edu-cators from the Diocese of Camden,Mary Boyle, superintendent of schools,and Rosa Maria Ojeda, principal of St.Peter’s School in Merchantville. (Seestory below.)

Taking questions from administratorsand faculty members, the pope spokeabout Catholic identity in education andwarned about the dangers of exclusionand educating within “the walls” of aselective and safe culture.

Roberto Zappala, headmaster ofMilan’s Gonzaga Institute, asked thepope what makes a school “trulyChristian.” Christian education, thepope responded, is not just about pro-viding catechesis, but requires educat-ing children and young people “inhuman values,” particularly the valueof transcendence.

Educating that is too focused on thetangible and ignores the spiritual dimen-sion of existence is “the biggest crisis”facing Christian education, he said. “Wemust prepare hearts so the Lord canmanifest himself,” which requires aneducation that strives to reflect “the full-ness of humanity that has this dimen-sion of transcendence,” he said.

Spanish Lasallian Christian BrotherJuan Antonio Ojeda, a professor at theUniversity of Malaga, asked the popehow educators can foster a culture ofencounter and restore the brokenbonds among schools, families andsociety.

The pope said Catholic educatorsmust overcome a tendency of being

selective and must work to restore thebroken “educational alliance” amongfamilies, schools and society, whichtends to place profit over people.

“This is a shameful global reality,”the pope said. “It is a reality that leadsus toward a human selectivity that,instead of bringing people together, itdistances them; it distances the richfrom the poor; it distances one culturefrom another.”

Educators, he continued, “are amongthe worst-paid workers: what does thismean? It means that the state simplyhas no interest. If it did, things wouldn’tgo that way. The educational alliance isbroken. And this is our job, to find newpaths.”

The pope called on both families andeducators to take “reasonable risks” ineducating children and youth, helpingthem to grow.

When asked how Catholic schoolscould contribute to building peace inthe world, the pope called on them toeducate the poor and the marginalizedeven if that meant cutting the staff atsome of their schools in wealthierneighborhoods.

“They have something that youthfrom rich neighborhoods do notthrough no fault of their own, but it is asociological reality: they have the expe-rience of survival, of cruelty, of hunger,of injustice. They have a woundedhumanity. And I think about the factthat our salvation comes from thewounds of a man injured on the cross,”he said.

Pope Francis also gave the partici-pants a homework assignment: to thinkabout how to fulfill the corporal andspiritual works of mercy through edu-cation.

“Think about it in this Year of Mercy:is mercy just about giving alms or howcan I do the works of mercy in educa-tion?” he said.

S2 — CATHOLIC STAR HERALD JANUARY 29, 2016CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Pope Francis meets with Catholic educators

CNS photo/Stefano Rellandini, Reuters

People take pictures with mobile phones and tablets as Pope Francis arrives tolead a Nov. 21 audience for participants in a world congress sponsored by theCongregation for Catholic Education in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican.

Two administrators from theDiocese of Camden were among thou-sands of Catholic educators fromthroughout the world who participatedin a conference held at the Vatican inNovember.

Mary Boyle, superintendent ofschools for the Diocese of Camden, andSister Rosa Maria Ojeda, principal ofSt. Peter’s School in Merchantville,(representing her religious congrega-tion of The Sisters of the Most PureVirgin Mary) attended the WorldCongress on Catholic Education.

The congress was organized by theSacred Congregation on CatholicEducation to celebrate the 50th anniver-sary of Gravissimum Educationis, the

Vatican Council II document onCatholic education. The congress wasalso celebrating the 25th anniversary ofEx Cordia Ecclesia, St. John Paul II’sapostolic constitution on Catholic uni-versities.

“It was a perfect opportunity to renewour passion for Catholic school educa-tion,” Boyle said of the experience.

“This passion was re-ignited throughsharing with over 2,000 fellow Catholiceducators from all continents. We havea tendency to think in terms of theexperience of Catholic school educa-tion in the context of the United States.While some of our challenges areunique to us, there are many universalthemes and concerns.”

She noted that Pope Francis high-lighted these themes when he met withthe participants, saying that educationinvolves introducing students to thefullness of truth.

“Pope Francis challenged us to opennew horizons; that education hasbecome too elitist, that no one shouldbe denied. In response to the question,‘What is the biggest temptation todayfor education?’ he replied, ‘It is walls.’The greatest failure for an education isto educate within the walls: the walls ofselective culture, the walls of a culture‘of security, the walls of a socialclass.’”

Cardinal Zani, the secretary of theSacred Congregation, said the mission

of Catholic education consists of threeparts. First, Catholic educating is love:it is an issue of the heart which involvesknowledge and relationship. Second,Catholic education is dialogue: it is anopen house, a project that has Christ atits center. Third, Catholic education isservice: offered in the search for truth,beauty, and what is right and good.

“As we strive to sustain and growCatholic schools, we must work toinsure that they remain true to theirmission, providing a secular societywith the Gospel of Jesus as a voice inthe education of the whole person,”Boyle said. “In essence, may ourschools become witnesses of charityand mercy.”

Local educators attend Vatican conference

“Is mercy just about giving almsor how can I do the works of

mercy in education?”— Pope Francis

By Peter G. Sánchez

Marketing, student ambassadors, out-reach to the Latino community, newtechnology. Saint Mary School inVineland has been working hard toensure that its day-to-day achievementshave a future.

“We need a group of people who arepassionate about the mission and visionof the school,” said principal SteveHogan. “It’s very important to remainpositive and to realize that everyone ispart of advancement — not just the per-son in the advancement director’soffice. We all work together and need totake ownership of the school’s advance-ment goals.”

In October 2015, the HealeyEducation Foundation held its thirdannual award ceremony, the SchoolAdvancement Grants for Excellence(SAGE) in Philadelphia. The founda-tion works closely with Catholic ele-mentary and high schools, providinggrants, coaching, and strategies to helpschools help themselves in creatingmission-driven and sustainable commu-nities of learning.

The biggest award of the night, thefoundation’s $10,000 Founder’sGrant named after Robert T. Healey,went to Saint Mary School. For threeyears, Saint Mary’s received counselfrom the foundation, under itsCatholic School DevelopmentProgram.

Saint Mary’s applied for theFounder’s Grant because of the “excep-tional results gained at Saint MarySchool by implementing the HealeyEducation Foundation Methodology,” itsaid in its application, continuing thatthe school “is committed to sustainingthe future and committed to the idealsand practices taught to us.”

The letter detailed several initiativesthe school has undertaken.

A public awareness campaign wasstarted, with teachers being urged tocreate twice-monthly press releases on

news in their classrooms, sent outthrough traditional or social media. Onefeature in a local paper alone resulted in12 inquiries and nine new middleschool enrollments.

The school now has student ambassa-dors, available to assist prospective stu-dents and their families at tours andopen houses, and bringing their ownschool perspective to the enrollmentcommittee.

In addition, there is a five-year planto replace classroom Smartboards withlarge monitors that interact with iPadsand Chromebooks, already in use.

The school board took two calculatedrisks. The first was to add a secondfourth-grade classroom. (In prior years,by not accepting wait-listed students,the school lost the opportunity to regis-ter their siblings.) The second calculat-ed risk was to change the age require-ment from 3 to 2-and-a-half for the PK3program.

Collaborating with the Diocese ofCamden’s Field Consultant for theSchools Office’s Latino EnrollmentProgram, Marianela Nuñez, and NotreDame University’s Alliance forCatholic Education (ACE), Saint

Mary’s has expanded its outreach to thesurrounding Latino community, trans-lating written documents into Spanishand communicating with prospectivefamilies.

Children “can’t get Catholic valuesanywhere else” but a Catholic school,said Nunez. “We’re making peopleaware that they are at Saint Mary’s.”

The approach has been effective. Theschool increased its Latino enrollmentfrom 19 to 29 students.

“Catholic education is not a business;it is a ministry,” the school said in itsreport to the Healey Foundation. “We(Catholic schools) must open our doorsto the Hispanic community and helppave the way for their future in theCatholic Church and the world.”

The new Latino students were part ofan overall increase in enrollment of 70new students this year.

Principal Hogan said the Founder’sGrant “is recognition that we haveimplemented (the Healey EducationFoundation’s) methodology well,” andadded that it’s great for “a little school,in the farmlands of South Jersey.”

Hogan added that the majority of thefunds would be used to re-model theschool’s existing science lab andenhance the implementation of theschool’s STEM (Science, Technology,Engineering, and Math) Initiatives.

Father Robert Sinatra, pastor of thenearby Saint Padre Pio Parish, seesclasses come once a week to hischurch’s 8:45 a.m. weekday Mass, andcalls the connection between SaintMary and Saint Padre Pio as a “unifiedvision — the school is an extension ofthe parish, and the parish is an exten-sion of the school.”

“Everything Saint Mary’s does ismission-specific, and that mission is theGospel,” he added. The school motto,“Minds at Work, Hearts with God,Lives of Service,” is “woven into thefabric of the community, for the forma-tion of young hearts, souls, and minds,in how they learn, serve, and pray.”

JANUARY 29, 2016 CATHOLIC STAR HERALD — S3COMMUNITIES OF FAITH, KNOWLEDGE AND SERVICE

Dr. Patrice DeMartino of BishopSchad Regional School in Vinelandwill receive the 2016 Lead. Learn.Proclaim. Award from the NationalCatholic Educational Association(NCEA). The annual award honorsthose who have demonstrated a strongCatholic educational philosophy as wellas exceptional ability, dedication andacademic results.

Dr. DeMartino will be recognizedduring the annual NCEA 2016Convention & Expo that will take placeMarch 29 – 31 in San Diego, Ca.

Locally, she will be honored at a spe-cial prayer service on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at

9 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church inVineland. Bishop of Camden DennisSullivan will be in attendance at theservice.

Dr. DeMartino has served as princi-pal of Bishop Schad Regional Schoolfor 15 years and has launched a suc-cessful enrollment outreach to theLatino community. She supports thefaculty professional developmentthrough collaboration with higher edu-cation. As an instructional leader, herstrength is in the area of ongoing cur-riculum development, as well as contin-ual improvement in teaching practicesand student learning.

“Long-term planning involves adeep commitment to the vision andmission of the school. Along with acollaborative partnership among thecommunity of stakeholders,” said Dr.DeMartino.

“NCEA commends the outstandingefforts, contributions and achievementsof exceptional leaders in Catholic edu-cation,” said NCEA Interim PresidentDr. Thomas W. Burnford. “We aregrateful for the leadership of Dr. PatriceDeMartino who serves as an ambassa-dor of faith formation and academicexcellence, and inspires Catholic edu-cators across the country.”

Vineland principal receives National NCEA Excellence Award

DR. PATRICE DEMARTINO

Jadon Guerrara cracks the books at Saint Mary School in Vineland. The photoon page S1 shows Saint Mary students in church.

An excellent school works to ensure its future

“We all work together and need to take ownership of the school’s

advancement goals.”— Steve Hogan, principal


Bishop Schad Regional

School922 E. Landis Ave.

Vineland, NJ

856-691-4490

bsrschool.us

By Junno Arocho EstevesCatholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Singing is goodfor one’s soul and, as St. Augustinesays, Christian life is not a sad path buta joyous one that is done “singing andwalking,” Pope Francis said.

“Remember this: Sing and walk,” thepope said Dec. 31 to 6,000 young cho-risters, their families, friends and choir-masters from 18 countries. “And in thisway, your soul will enjoy more the joyof the gospel.”

The young choir members took partin the Dec. 28-Jan. 1 International

Congress of Pueri Cantores in Rome.They held concerts at several churchesin Rome and performed in SaintPeter’s Basilica on New Year’s Day.

The pope took questions from sever-al young choir members, choosing toaddress the youth off-the-cuff. A younggirl asked the pope what he thoughtabout their music and if he liked tosing.

“I would much rather like to hear youall sing today,” the pope said. “But if Isang, I would sound like a donkeybecause I do not know how to sing. Idon’t even know how to speak well.”

Singing does good for the soul, pope tells choristers

Students and alumni members ofGuardian Angels Regional SchoolAngelic Choir, under the direction ofKaren Mercer, along with their families,recently returned from their trip to Rome,Italy, where over 5,000 students fromaround the world gathered for the 40thInternational Pueri Cantores Congress.

Pueri Cantores is an InternationalCatholic choral organization that pro-vides opportunities for school-agedyouth choirs from all backgrounds toparticipate in liturgical music. TheInternational Congress of PueriCantores was held in Rome from Dec.26, 2015-Jan. 1, 2016.

The Angelic Choir has attendednumerous American Federation PueriCantores festivals including the 38thInternational Congress, which was heldin July of 2013, in Washington, D.C.The members of the Angelic Choir havealso travelled to New York City to singwith choirs in their region for local fes-tivals. Members of the choir practicedfor over a year in preparation for thetrip to Italy and fund raised to help stu-dents attend this wonderful trip.

Students and their families visitedTrevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, andthe Pantheon and also had tours of theColiseum, the Roman Forum and SaintPeter’s Basilica. A highlight of the tripwas a private tour of the VaticanMuseum and Sistine Chapel.

They also attended Mass at SaintJohn Lateran and a prayer for peaceservice at the Church of the TwelveApostles. The trip culminated with anaudience with Pope Francis in SalaNervi, Paul VI Hall, where PopeFrancis spoke to those in attendanceabout the good in the world and howthe young people needed to continue tosing God’s praises. (See story below.)

The last day of the trip began withMass at Saint Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 1and ended with a papal blessing in SaintPeter’s Square.

Above: Members of Guardian AngelsRegional School Angelic Choir, underthe direction of Karen Mercer, are pic-tured following Mass in Saint JohnLateran church in Rome, Italy. Left:Angelic Choir members and Mercer,along with Peter Martin, Political andEconomic Counselor from the U.S.Embassy to the Holy See followingthe Prayer for Peace in the Church ofthe Twelve Apostles, in Rome, Italy.

Guardian Angels students and alumni attendInternational Pueri Cantores Congress in Rome


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A day at the museum

Fifth through eighth grade students at Saint John Paul II Regional School,Stratford, visit the Franklin Institute’s Vatican Splendors Exhibit inPhiladelphia on Jan. 13.


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JANUARY 31 — FEBRUARY 6

Gloucester Catholic High School senta group of 16 students from CaraBuckland’s creative writing class toSacred Heart School in Camden.

The students read children’s booksthat they wrote and illustrated as partof their assignment in Buckland’sclass. The students presented theirpublications to the Kindergarten, firstand second grade students at SacredHeart.

One of the GCHS students, seniorSelena Colon, was a 2012 graduate ofSacred Heart School. Selena and fellowclassmate Melissa Gould, read theirChristmas publication, “Patches andSpeedo” to students in three class-rooms.

Selena also reunited with her formerfirst grade teacher, Susan Cammisa,who told her current first grade stu-dents: “Selena was a student in myclass a long, long time ago. Welcomehome!”

“It was a very special day for me toreturn home and read to the students,”Selena said. “It meant a lot to me per-sonally.”

Aside from Selena, two of the stu-dents — Isabella Fallstick and YashiraCaraballo — either attended SacredHeart School briefly or were CCD stu-dents here.

High school authors read their work at Camden school

Photo by Alan M. Dumoff

Creative writing students take turns reading their work at Sacred Heart School in Camden a few days before Christmas.


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S10 — CATHOLIC STAR HERALD • JANUARY 29, 2016 JANUARY 29, 2016 • CATHOLIC STAR HERALD — S11CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

By Bishop Dennis Sullivan

During the week of January 31st ourChurch is observing Catholic Schools Week.This is an opportunity to celebrate whatmakes our schools unique and excellent ascommunities of Faith, Knowledge andService. I believe that Catholic schools areimportant, needed and deserve our support.My commitment to these three goals is for-mulated in Forming Minds And Hearts InGrace: A Plan For Catholic Schools in theDiocese of Camden which is available atwww.camdendiocese.org.

In 2014 I called together a panelof advisers to assist me to deal withthe challenges facing our diocesanschools. The hard work of theBishop’s Commission on CatholicSchools resulted in recommenda-tions for our Schools that I haveaccepted. Please, read the PLAN inorder to appreciate its scope andseriousness. It is the charter for ourdiocesan Catholic Schools.

Our schools are important,needed and deserve our supportbecause they form disciples ofJesus Christ. They lead students toencounter Jesus Christ. This hap-pens through direct and indirect exposure toCatholic culture that is either physically orspiritually present in each school. It is a cru-cifix in each room; religious statuary; imagesof Saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary andart that reflects the Christian tradition.Exposure to these elements influence eachstudent’s understanding of himself/herself asa child of God and even influences the choic-es and decisions they make in life.

In many of the schools there is a servicerequirement which teaches the need to beaware of our responsibility for our neighbors.A Catholic School makes students sociallyminded and aware of the community beyondthe school building.

Catholic culture also seeps into the curricu-lum, for example, in the academics. A lessonin history, science, art, music that makes ref-erence to God or to church. The philosophy of

a Catholic education (its business) is for thestudent to form conscience; to acquire virtuesand values. All of which makes the Schooluniquely focused on the person of each stu-dent; on the God-given dignity of each per-son.

Finally, the school is a place of prayer. Theschool community gathered around the Tableof the Lord to offer the holy sacrifice of theMass and the other treasury of traditionalprayers and devotions that are offered to Godand learned for life.

I thank our parents who choose Catholicschools. I am well aware of thesacrifices involved. My gratitudegoes to our parish priests whosupport our schools along with thecommitment of our dedicatedprincipals, faculties, staffs andbenefactors.

It is my opinion that ourschools are needed more than everbecause of the formation in Christthat they provide. A formationthat makes a difference not onlyto a student’s life but also to soci-ety. How sad that society offers usno assistance while our educationsystem provides it with outstand-ing citizens and leaders.

Your support of our schools is critical.With no shame my hand is out begging foryour financial support. If you can help,please visit the Catholic Schools onlinedonation page at camdendiocese.org/sup-port-catholic-schools. Your contribution willsupport schools and make scholarshipsavailable. You can also help by directingfamilies to consider a Catholic School fortheir child.

Christ is the Teacher in a Catholic Schooland His Church is the base community forthe school. Our Church has been in the busi-ness of education for centuries. In SouthJersey, the first Catholic schools opened in1859 at parishes in Camden and Gloucester.With your support, encouragement andprayers we can dare to continue offering thiseducational alternative that is a Catholicschool.

By Dr. Bernadette Mulligan Janis

Why do Catholic school students consistently expe-rience academic success? Is it the religion classes?The uniforms? The grammar exercises? The answerlies in the value system that is centered on the funda-mental teachings of Jesus Christ. The most importantgifts my husband and I have received from our par-ents are our Catholic faith and our Catholic education.We have passed these gifts on to our six childrenbecause we believe they set the foundation for howwe live our lives. Essentially, in a Catholic school set-ting, students develop fundamental skills and valuesthat enable them to be high functioning members ofsociety and to continue growing in their faith.

The values of working hard, respecting authority,helping others, showing compassion, and utilizingone’s talents, have been constant in Catholic schoolsfor generations, amidst many changes in tools andtechnologies associated with education. Faith-baseddiscipline and accountability, coupled with a safe,nurturing learning environment result in studentswho thrive academically. They demonstrate the abil-ities to read critically, write constructively, and com-municate effectively, all necessary skills that nevergo out of style.

The mission of Catholic schools starts with theadministrators and teachers who choose Catholiceducation as a vocation. They devote their careers toour children, and their contribution matters. Thisdevotion then extends to students and their parentswhere the community of learning comes together toelevate the common cause for high achievement.

The undeniable distinction of a Catholic school liesin the ability of its educators to consistently drive aca-demic excellence while not sacrificing the Christ-cen-tered mission. Catholic schools maintain this consis-tency by including the messages of Jesus across thecurriculum and in extra-curricular activities wherestudents learn to respect authority as well as them-selves and their peers. This focus creates an optimalatmosphere for learning in which clear expectationsand high standards are the norms. Over a period ofyears, students’ comfort in the classroom enhancescamaraderie and school spirit. Our 20 year old daugh-ter Catherine acknowledges that one “can not go italone” in the journey of life. Rather, Catholic schoolsinspire learners to maximize their potential for contin-uous improvement with Jesus as a partner along theway. In the words of our youngest child, 10 year oldAndrew, “God is in every classroom.”

The “it factor” of Catholic education is difficult toput a finger on, as the value goes well beyond thebooks, the buildings, and the uniforms. Instead, thespirit of Catholic education is evident in the charac-ter of our children as they thrive long after leavingthe classroom.

Dr. Bernadette Mulligan Janis, a 1981 graduateof the former St. John School in Collingswood and a1985 graduate of Paul VI High School in HaddonTownship, is an educator in the Graduate School ofEducation at the University of Pennsylvania.

By John O’Donnell

As a father of three Catholic elementaryschool children I am often asked why Isend my kids to Catholic school. I am cer-tain if you asked the same question to 10parents of Catholic school children youwould get 10 different answers. My answeris simply this; it is my core belief that it ismy duty, obligation, and responsibility as aCatholic father to provide my children aCatholic school education. My local publicschools provide an outstanding educationto the children in our district. However,public schools do not and unfortunatelycannot teach of the life, death and resurrec-tion of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.This is most important to me as a Catholicfather. What my children learn at home isreinforced throughout their school day andthrough regular attendance at Massthroughout the school year. My children’sschool, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Berlin,provides an environment that caters to theirintellectual, physical, and spiritual develop-ment. This environment teaches them thatit is though love of God and service to oth-ers that real success is achieved. Catholicschools have the resources and facilities tochallenge students to achieve academicexcellence while learning to proclaim andlive Christ’s Gospel, learning the traditionsof the Church, and acquiring a deep rever-ence and love of the Catholic faith. I havefull confidence that I am providing mychildren the best opportunity for them tosucceed in life by engaging in an environ-ment of high academic standards withJesus Christ at the core. I am confident thatmy investment in my children’s elementaryand high school educations will reap bene-fits that last a lifetime and in turn benefitthe greater society. I also have the utmostconfidence that Bishop Sullivan, the Officeof Catholic Schools, and the many priestsand lay teachers of the Diocese of Camdenare committed to sustaining, strengtheningand expanding the Catholic school educa-tional opportunities to all parents who wishto secure a Christ based education for theirchildren. By sending my children to aCatholic school I am fulfilling my obliga-tion as a Catholic father, and more impor-tantly providing my children a solid foun-dation that will encourage them to live alife in service to God and others.

John O’Donnell has three children inOur Lady of Mt. Carmel, Berlin. His twooldest are enrolled in Paul VI HighSchool, Haddon Township.

Why I choseCatholicschool formy children

Why Catholicschools makea difference

Bishop Dennis Sullivan with 8th graders from Saint Joseph Regional School in Somers Point,last October. Bishop Sullivan led school students in the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary.

Catholic schools are important,needed and deserve our support

Students look and play the part of diplomats, at Saint JosephHigh School, Hammonton’s United Nations StudentConference on Human Rights.

Young students give rapt attention during Storytime at Saint Vincent dePaul Regional School in Mays Landing.

Father Allain Caparas, Director of Catholic Identity at Gloucester CatholicHigh School, celebrates Mass with students.

Paul VI High School students in Haddon Township listen to thewords of Father John Rossi, the school’s Director of CatholicIdentity, in Saint Vincent Pallotti Church.

Students lend their voices and musical talents during theannual Communion breakfast at Our Lady of MercyAcademy, Newfield.

A MESSAGEFROM THEBISHOP

BishopDennis J.Sullivan


901 Hopkins Road • Haddonfield, NJ856.858.4900 • www.pvihs.org

freedom

responsibility

excellence

PAUL VI HIGH SCHOOLis proud to be a part of

Catholic Schools Week 2016Catholic Schools: Communities of

Faith, Knowledge and Service


For more information call, 662-4387 or [email protected]

2016 OPEN HOUSE DATES:Sunday, January 31, 2016

from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm.

Sunday, April 24, 2016from 10:00 am until noon.

Celebrating 88 Years of Excellent Catholic Education

www.stpeterschool.org

51 W. Maple Avenue | Merchantville, NJ 08109


St. Joseph High School Hammonton, NJ

Be a Champion.

Be a Wildcat! Have been providing students with academic excellence for over 75 years!

An average of 98% of our Students go on to College.

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By Elena V. Brandt

My parents met during the early1980s in a political science class atYork College of the City University ofNew York (CUNY.) If you ask mymother how my father caught herattention she would tell you, “Yourfather just knew how to study. Heknew how to write an essay! He wentto Catholic high school. They reallyprepared him for college.”

As they grew apart after I was born,their lives took different paths. Theyeventually started new families about adecade later — and they made manyfinancial sacrifices so that each of mysiblings would have a Catholic educa-tion.

Although they had perspectiveswhich often challenged one another,when it came time for me to go toKindergarten, they agreed thatparochial school was the right choicefor their daughter’s future. Our LadyQueen of Martyrs was a small schoolnear a beautiful Gothic parish church.There were many religious sisters whoserved the school as administrators,teachers and in other capacities. Wise,dedicated and compassionate women,they left quite an impression on me,even at an early age. When I was a 5-year-old, my mother sewed a habit for

me out of a pillowcase because, forHalloween, I wanted to be like SisterMary Alois, a semi-retired Sister of theImmaculate Heart, who was the schoolnurse.

My mother worked several kinds ofjobs until she found a teaching posi-tion which was shared by a Catholicschool in Brooklyn and another inFlushing, N.Y. I transferred to SaintMichael’s in Flushing so that we couldtake advantage of discounted tuition.

We did not have a weekly musicclass, but the parish organist devotedan hour each week to direct a choir forSaint Michael’s students. He intro-duced us to Bach, to Taize, and to thechant of Joseph Gelineau. Our weeklychoir rehearsals were lessons about themusical language, about life and theliturgy. One Sunday after Mass, heplayed this incredible prelude. In thatmoment, I decided that I wanted tolearn to play the organ too and eventu-ally studied organ for my undergradu-ate degree in music.

I continued my education at SaintFrancis Preparatory High School inFresh Meadows, N.Y., known as aninstitution of academic excellence.

During freshman year, my scheduleallowed me to attend daily Mass. Thepriest who was our chaplain in thatfirst year of high school eventuallyplayed an important role in my life asa young adult. By the time I graduat-ed from Prep, tuition at localCatholic high schools had risen to anamount greater than annual under-graduate tuition in the CityUniversity system — nonetheless,my high-school tuition was a worth-while investment.

The four years of academic rigordeveloped my critical reasoning andwriting skills while I grew into aresponsible adult. At the end of mysenior year, based on an essay andSAT scores, I was awarded a fullscholarship to CUNY Queens College,where I studied organ as an undergrad-uate music major.

Although my bachelor’s degree isfrom a public college, I returned toCatholic institution for my graduatedegree. Through the Archdiocese ofNew York, I earned a Master of Arts inreligious studies with a concentrationin liturgy at St. Joseph’s Seminary.Because the program was subsidizedby the archdiocese, the courses wereunder $1,000 each. Ultimately, becausemy parents chose Catholic educationfor me, and I returned to a Catholicinstitution for my graduate degree, Inever had to worry about the obliga-tions of student loan debt.

Catholic education is renowned foracademic excellence; however, therelationships that I have built through-out my learning experience are a muchhigher value. Catholic education is anexperience of the Trinity: the Masterreveals himself in the growth anddevelopment of rising generation, andtheir synergy engenders the Spirit ofperpetual renewal.

Nearly 20 years later, I continue torely on the guidance of my choir direc-tor from elementary school. As Iembarked upon my own career, thechaplain from high school offered me aposition as music director when hebecame pastor of a large Catholic parish,and we worked together for six years.

In elementary school, the seeds of

Christianity were planted in our hearts.

The benefits of Catholic education continue

(continued on page S16)


Christ the King Regional SchoolWhere faith and knowledge meet.

www.ckrs.org

Visit us at our next Open Houses:

A premier Catholic education at

Christ the King Regional School just became more affordable.

Two-year Transfer Tuition Grantsare now available for Catholic children attending public or other non-Catholic private Schools.1st Year $1,500; 2nd year $1,000.� In subsequent years of enrollment, tuition aid may be available if you qualify financially.� Grants are available for students in Grades 1 though 8, until enrollment capacity is met.

Currently, we cap our class size at 22 students. We have between 34 and 43 students at every grade level, with very few available seats in Grades 1, 2, and 3.

We hope you will consider sending your child to the school �Where Faith Meets Knowledge,� to cultivate your child�s mind and soul to learn, to love and to serve Christ and His Kingdom.

For more information, please contact our Advancement Director, Rebecca Malcarney Dickson: 856 429 2084 or email [email protected].

Application forms are available at www.ckrs.org. � The deadline is June 6, 2016. � For more information, email Principal Anne Hartman: [email protected].

Sunday, Jan 3110am to 12:30pm

Wednesday, Feb 39:30 to 11am

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Forming Minds & Hearts for Leadership & Service

with

Dana Durham of Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Newfield, was named thewinner of the Widener University/NBC10 High School Leadership Award.This awards program is designed to recognize high school students inthe region who embody the university’s commitment to develop andinspire leaders to affect positive change. Dana will attend a ceremony atthe National Constitution Center in March, followed by a leadership expe-rience with all winners at Widener in the fall. If Dana chooses Widener forcollege, she will receive a $20,000 scholarship over four years. “Dana isa wonderful young woman and so deserving of this award,” said SisterGrace Marie Scandale, OLMA principal. “Not only does she excel aca-demically, but she is constantly looking out for others through the manyservice projects she participates in and organizes.”

Student leader

I am grateful for the guidance of myteacher and mentors, but most of all, Iam grateful for the lessons impartedby Christ, sometimes under surprisingcircumstances. In the mid-1990s,when I was in eighth grade, a class-mate did not understand her own inse-curities, and directed them toward mein hurtful, demeaning behavior.Although I tried to put it behind me, ithad negative effects on my self-esteem and occasionally made mequestion whether elementary schoolwas worth the expense. Several yearslater, when we were both in our late20s, I received a private message onsocial media from this classmate. Shewrote to apologize for her mistakesand express her profound remorse. Tothis very day, this course of eventsmakes me marvel at the way Godworks.

Even if this was the only way it hadinfluenced us, her letter defined thevalue of Catholic education in her lifeand mine. In elementary school, theseeds of Christianity were planted inour hearts and it was affirming to wit-ness that the way they blossomed inher heart, even after many years.Because these seeds were also plantedin my heart, I was full of so much joyto share forgiveness with her. Finally, Iwas grateful for the way Catholic edu-cation helped me to make sense ofearthly existence.

As we journey in discipleship, I wasprivileged to witness how God contin-ues to reveal himself through humanityin unsolicited, unanticipated and unex-pected moments of transformative love.

Elena V. Brandt is pastoral associateof music and liturgy, Saint Clare ofAssisi Parish, Swedesboro.

Benefits all through life(continued from page S15)

By Carl Peters

RICHLAND — The class is thor-oughly modern. Smartboards havereplaced blackboards with trays filledwith chalk dust. Students have iPadsopen on their desks. The teacher, NancyMcHugh, talks about apps the studentswere to have downloaded before class,and resources she has posted for themonline.

But in other ways, the sophomores inthis chemistry class are learning thesame way students have learned fordecades. McHugh begins the class byreviewing past lessons and going fromdesk to desk to check each student’shomework. She uses a yardstick topoint to a periodic table on the wall asshe lectures. She asks questions, oneafter another, sometimes expecting theentire class to answer in unison — theydo — and sometimes prodding themindividually. (“John, we’ve not heardfrom you today.”)

She talks about tests and quizzes. Sheuses mild threats to make them buckledown and get get to work.

“Old school.” She uses the term whentalking about her teaching methods andher classes. And the students seem tolove her.

McHugh has been teaching at SaintAugustine Preparatory School inRichland for 11 years. She recalls whenAugustinian Father Paul Galetto, theformer school president, offered her ajob.

Formerly a chemist at Rohm andHaas, McHugh was initially reluctant.She pointed out that she hadn’t beentrained as a teacher and had no priorteaching experience.

“You have five children,” he respond-ed. “You’ll do just fine.”

She has. McHugh is a co-winner ofthe New Jersey Nonpublic SchoolTeacher of the Year Award for 2015.The annual competition is conductedunder the auspices of the New JerseyCouncil for American PrivateEducation.

The award is meant not only to honorindividual teachers — the co-winnerthis year is Jonathan Brooks of OurLady of Guadalupe Academy inElizabeth — but to draw attention to the

professionalism and dedication of allteachers in Catholic and other non-pub-lic schools in New Jersey.

McHugh herself is a firm believer inCatholic education. She was educatedin Catholic schools and sent all her chil-dren to Our Lady of Hope inBlackwood for elementary school. Shetaught her three sons herself at the Prep.Of her daughters, one graduated fromOur Lady of Mercy Academy inNewfield and the youngest is currently

a student at Gloucester Catholic HighSchool.

When she talks about Catholic educa-tion, McHugh talks about faith, com-munity, “wonderful role models,” char-acter development, her own belief inGod. And laughter.

She may expect students to do a lot ofhomework and not waste time in class,but she loves to laugh. She talks aboutlaughing with her own children whenthey reminisce about their school days.

And she talks about how her studentsmake her laugh, and how they got herthrough that first, hard year at SaintAugustine.

When McHugh began her teachingcareer, her husband had recently died ofcancer.

“I was a widow at 40 with five chil-dren. Just being here (at the Prep)would take my mind off my troubles,”she said. “These guys are tons of fun.There is not a day that goes by that youdon’t laugh at something.”

There is a relaxed atmosphere in theclassroom. After a successful round ofanswering questions, McHugh tells thestudents, “Give yourself a round ofapplause,” and they do.

There is also a low murmur thatcomes and goes throughout the hourand that McHugh works to keep fromgetting out of hand. “The noise level isway too high and I’m not hearingchemistry,” she tells them as they workcollaboratively on a worksheet.

Later, as they’re copying in theirnotebooks, she says, “Copy time…”

“… is quiet time!” they answer as aclass.

There is an enormous advantage tousing technology in the classroom,McHugh says, and there is still a placefor memorization, lectures and othertraditional methods. Students are learn-ing chemistry but they are also learninghow to think, she says. At one point, shesays to the class, “You’re going to startto see how all these pieces of the puzzlethat you’ve been memorizing start tocome together.”

Reflecting on the challenges of teach-ing, McHugh says that teachers, espe-cially new teachers, have to start offbeing strict. “When they know yourexpectations, they respect your expec-tations.”

But, she adds, students “have to knowthey are part of your team. You can’t be adictator. You have to develop a relation-ship with each and every one of them.”

That’s not easy and it takes time, shesays. “But once you do that, they willgo through fire for you.”

As she speaks, juniors and seniorsenter the classroom for their HonorsChemistry II class. “It’s a great day forchemistry,” one of them says.


‘Old school’ teaching in a modern classroom

Nancy McHugh of Saint Augustine Preparatory School, Richland, is a co-winnerof the New Jersey Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year Award for 2015.

Julianna Roche, a sophomoreat Wildwood Catholic HighSchool, will attend a two-daysummit at The Hague in theNetherlands for a GlobalCitizen Summit on humanrights.

Julianna won a GlobalCitizen Scholarship from EFEducation Tours to attend the

conference. The applicationincluded an interview and videoon her vision for a better world;in the latter, she focused onclean water, education andwomen’s rights.

This month, Julianna and hermother will take part in a mis-sion trip to Haiti to deliverschool supplies and participate

in a baptismal ceremony for orphans.For one of the orphans, she will becomea godparent.

Next month, she will return to theUnited Nations in New York as a leaderdelegate. Last year, Julianna took partin United Nations Day at Saint JosephHigh School in Hammonton, and soonafter was named a youth delegate to theU.N. Student Leadership Conference

on Development. In New York, she hastaken part in conferencing with studentsfrom all over the world to create a planin response to shared sustainable devel-opment goals.

In addition to these national and glob-al opportunities, she is active in soccer,swimming, and track; forensics, mocktrial, and academic challenge; and theschool play.

Wildwood Catholic student to attend summit at The Hague

JULIANNAROCHE

“There is not a day that goes by that you don’t laugh at

something.”— Nancy McHugh

By Andrea PaleosCamden Catholic, Cherry Hill

“You are going to Catholic school?”At the end of middle school, this ques-

tion seemed to followme throughout all myinteractions withfriends and family. Thespeaker would empha-size the “you” to clari-fy that the “Catholicschool” was not neg-ative, but that my placethere was question-

able. Detecting the typical raised eye-brows and hint of a confused smile, Iwould politely affirm my statement andcarry on with conversation.

I could not blame those who ques-tioned me. As a nonreligious, publicschool student, what place would I haveat Camden Catholic High School?

Ultimately, I would not only “passby” in school, but I would flourish. Ibecame intrigued by the school’s aca-demic, family and faith values. The firstof these was unsurprising. My decisionto attend Camden Catholic was initiallybased on the school’s academic excel-lence and educational arts program.However, the significant change wasnot in my grades, but in my outlook.Before, my academic drive was basedon receiving honors, getting the highestgrade, capturing the “best number.”

After attending Camden Catholic fora time, I realized that I was no longercompleting assignments “just for thegrade.” I was completing assignmentsto improve my skills, to show a teacherI cared and to develop camaraderie withmy classmates, resulting in a more sin-cere effort.

I credit this change of heart primarilyto the resolute and genuine Catholic

spirit which is prevalent among the fac-ulty and students. Additionally, thefamily atmosphere urged me to succeedin a way that I had not known before.From my teachers’ willingness to formreal relationships to my peers’ warmwelcome, I felt that I had not onlyfriends but family beside me. Comingfrom a public school which boastedmore than 1,000 students, I thought thefeeling foreign, but I embraced it.

In fact, I have learned to embracemore than just my new family; I havelearned to embrace myself. I came toCamden Catholic with little religiousknowledge but with an open mind. Myfamily did not regularly practice anyreligion, so I was the exemplary blankslate. Walking into my first day of reli-gion class, I was rather nervous, sup-posing unrealistically that the teacherwould somehow detect my lack of reli-giousness and publically condemn me.

However, my real experience was quitethe contrary. I found the teachersentirely welcoming and accepting ofany students’ lack of prior knowledge.All of my religion teachers have beengreat presences in my school life whoencourage me to examine my own reli-gious beliefs. I may not considermyself converted, but I have beeninspired various times to explore myown ideas of faith and discuss spiritual-ity with my peers.

So, what place does a secular publicschool student have at CamdenCatholic? Evidently, that student doesnot have just a place to fit in, but ahome. I feel truly blessed to callCamden Catholic my home and Ibelieve that more students like meshould take the jump to a Catholicschool. When learning in an environ-ment that is not only a school but acommunity, one reaps endless benefits.


By Arrianna PowersSt. Joseph, Hammonton

When a child is young, just gettingready to go to school, his or her parentshave a choice: Whatschool should theirchild attend? It’s ahard question toanswer.

My parentschecked the averagegrades for the schoolsnearby, toured build-ings, and met withprincipals. In the end, my parentsdecided on an old Catholic school 40minutes from my house: a long drive,but they knew it would be the bestchoice.

I can’t thank them enough for choos-ing that school for me. A Catholic educa-tion has shaped who I am today, through

my family, my friends and my education. My parents didn’t want me to feel

pressured into my faith, so they taughtme my prayers and would take me tochurch and remind me to pray, but theywanted me to discover my faith on myown, and I did that through Catholicschool. I never would have learnedabout my faith to the extent I have if itweren’t for Catholic school. My teach-ers became like a second family,explaining things to me like my parentsdid and teaching me why prayer andMass are important. I had two familiesteaching me about my faith now, allbecause of Catholic school — not just asecond family but friends, too.

When I was young, I was terrified onmy first day of school. I didn’t know ifthe other kids would like me or if wewould get along. I was shocked when,on my first day, I was approached bythree other girls in my class. They were

fun and nice and we got along. We grewup in the same religion classes, helpingeach other with homework and encour-aging each other to stay involved in ourfaith. I joined the choir in middle schooland my friends read at Mass. We didn’tjust grow up in life together; we grewup in faith together too. We formed abond, in faith and in friendship.Graduating middle school, we all wentto different high schools. All of uschose Catholic high schools. Weweren’t afraid to branch out, schooling-wise, because we knew we would stayin touch. And we have. We socializeand we meet to attend Mass together tothis day.

Finally, I realize that it’s amazing,really, the education I receive each day.Most people would think that all othersubjects, besides religion, would go onthe back burner in a Catholic school.However, I can say there is no back

burner in a Catholic school and that ourfaith is present in all subjects. Religionmay have the highest priority, but wenever lose focus on our other studies.Nothing less than the best is expectedof us. I feel as though I have received abetter education than I would at a regu-lar school. Not only have I grown inknowledge of the world but also in spir-itual knowledge.

I think of the bonds I have formedand the friendships that I know will last.I think of the education I receive andhow I have grown in spirituality and inknowledge. I could not have achievedany of this without my experiences in aCatholic school. Catholic schoolshaped who I am today and I am proudto be a young Catholic.

My parents looked everywhere forthe perfect school for me, and I knowthey made the best choice by sendingme to Catholic school.

By Molly McNultyWildwood Catholic, Wildwood

I have been blessed with the opportu-nity to attend not only a Catholic gradeschool but a Catholichigh school as well. Itruly believe thatWildwood CatholicHigh School hasshaped me into theperson I am todayand has fully pre-pared me to go on to college with astrong background in my faith and myeducation.

Today, although the United States hasfreedom of religion, many people takethat as freedom from religion. In attend-ing a Catholic high school, I did nothave to experience feeling insecure orthreatened about my faith. I realizedthat the ability to not only pray everyday in school, but also have classes inreligion, is a privilege and not to betaken for granted. Without my faith Iwould not have been able to do most ofwhat I was able to do in high school. Iknow that if I attended another school Iwould not have played soccer, been onstudent council, or participated in theschool play. Attending a Catholicschool allowed me to develop spiritual-

ly which allowed me to step outside mycomfort zone and use the gifts Godgave me.

Attending Wildwood Catholic hasenabled me to see the bigger picture.Being a small school, we accomplishsuch large things. I learned that life isabout much more than myself. Throughcommunity service projects, I realizedthat it is imperative to help those inneed. I gained a new perspective onwhat is really important in life atWildwood Catholic and how blessed Iam to have had not just a Catholic edu-cation, but a Catholic experience. I did-n’t just learn, I grew. I have confidencegoing forward in my life, equipped with

a strong faith and a desire to make a dif-ference in the world.

“Fides et Scientia” means faith andknowledge. Here at Wildwood CatholicI believe that I have developed in bothmy faith and my knowledge. MyCatholic education was a gift I neverasked for, but the best gift I have everreceived. I look forward to continuingmy education at a Catholic college oruniversity because a Catholic educationis a part of who I am now.

I hope to one day make an impact, adifference in the world and on peoplewho need me. In attending WildwoodCatholic, I learned that with God that issurely possible.

How Catholic school has shaped who I am today

At Wildwood Catholic ‘I didn’t just learn, I grew’

An urge to succeed ‘in a way I had not known before’

ARRIANNAPOWERS

MOLLYMCNULTY

ANDREAPALEOS


By Hannah ChomiczewskiGloucester Catholic, Gloucester City

There has never been a time in myeducational life when I wasn’t a

Catholic school stu-dent. I’ve always hadreligion class, I’vealways had schoolMasses, and I’vealways recitedprayers over morningannouncements. As aresult, I took almostall of it for granted.

It wasn’t until I started high schoolat Gloucester Catholic that I realizedhow much is unique to my Catholiceducation. Immediately, even whilewriting this, I thought of little things:

my teachers saying grace with theclass before dismissing us for lunch,the jovial voice on the intercom atthe end of the week reminding us toattend church on Sunday, the girlwho once led my English class in aHail Mary after our teacher receivednews of a family emergency. Theseare the things that will stay with meafter I graduate. They’re little things,yes, but in the end they mean themost.

During nearly every Mass atGloucester Catholic, there is one partic-ular petition read aloud, and that is:“We pray for all those who have died,that they may be welcomed into theFather’s mansion in heaven.” Andevery time I hear that, the word “man-sion” jumps out at me. I remember,

hearing it for the first time, it struck meas somewhat funny. I’d never comparedGod’s Kingdom to a mansion; and yet,the idea now makes so much sense thatI can’t believe it’s not more widelyexpressed.

It’s a wonderful thing to think of allour loved ones, and all the ones we did-n’t know, or knew and didn’t love—everyone who accepted our Father’slove and mercy — all living together inone big mansion.

That’s what a Catholic school is forme. It’s a gathering place for people,who may not all be of the same faith,but who share common goals: to livewith compassion, to promote the good-ness of the human person, to reject prej-udice and fear in favor of dignity andhospitality. A Catholic school student is

privileged to have all these blessingsand more.

I don’t want to imagine a world, oreven a state, that doesn’t give youngpeople the opportunity to learn andexcel in a Catholic school environ-ment. That world, I fear, would lack anumber of talented, compassionateindividuals whose unified goal isspreading not only the good, but thegreat. We need Catholic schoolsbecause we need Catholic teachers,and Catholic students. With them, weare better able to embrace the greatnessthat is being human. With them, welearn to devote our lives on Earth toothers, and we learn to believe in andhope for our life after death in God’smansion. And for that, I am eternallygrateful.

By Patrick MacDonaldHoly Spirit, Absecon

Religion has been the single mostimportant part of my life since startinggrade school. When Ibecame old enough torealize that God wascalling me to believein him, I started to par-ticipate at my church. Iwas an altar server andhave been part of thechurch youth group forsix years. My family isvery religious and participates at church,which is partly why I attend Holy SpiritHigh School. The main reason why Ichose to go to a Catholic high school isbecause I love my faith and I wanted tostrengthen my belief in God.

My experience in Catholic schoolthroughout my whole life has given mean outlook on life that I would not haveif I attended public school. This outlookis about living a morally just life. MyCatholic journey through grade school,church, and praying with my family hasprepared me for high school and all oflife’s bumps in the road.

A high school, by itself, is just abuilding. When teachers and studentsare incorporated into this building itbecomes a community. Once God isadded to this community it becomes afamily. At Holy Spirit High School Iam part of a great family. We learn andparticipate in clubs, societies andsports, which teaches us to work as ateam.

Most importantly, we pray together.Praying together is essential to the

progress of our Spartan family. For thepast two and a half years my experienceat Holy Spirit has been nothing short ofthe best. My friends, teachers, andclasses are incomparable. The ability tolearn and talk about God makes theexperience even more stupendous.

Having the privilege of attendingreligion class makes me feel very luckyand safe, knowing that God is alwaysprotecting and watching over me. Iknow that he is watching over usbecause religion class teaches that Godcreated us and will protect us as long aswe believe and spread his message.

My experience at Holy Spirit HighSchool has taught me two very impor-tant lessons, work hard and have faith.Working hard and having a good workethic is very influential in the workforce. Having faith gets us through the

tough times, and knowing God iswatching over us is all we need to beready for anything.

This building that we call Holy Spiritholds inside a unique and faith filledfamily that loves each other and God. Iam truly proud to call myself a Spartan.

My belief in God will never changebecause I have been learning about himmy entire life. Religion is something Itake pride in and am very privileged tohave in my life. The experiences I havefaced over the past two and a half yearsof high school shaped me into the reli-gious man I want to be. Therefore, HolySpirit has prepared me to be charitable,faithful and hard working. Throughoutmy life, I always knew that God waspresent. Although I could not see him, Ifelt him through the loving hearts of myfamily and friends.

By Natasha FilipovPaul VI, Haddon Township

I am so grateful to attend a Catholichigh school. The past four years I have

spent at Paul VI havegiven me more than astellar academicexperience. In addi-tion to the knowledgeI have garnered in myclasses, the lessons Ilearn that extendbeyond the class-rooms have shaped

and defined me as an individual. This isthe true difference of a Catholic schooleducation.

Unlike most students, I do not wakeup each morning dreading the school

day. Instead, I wake up energized toattend Paul VI, a supportive andadvanced community teeming withunique, talented and passionate individ-uals. In a Catholic school setting,everyone works together to build upone another and his or her community.This is something I value that is evidentat Paul VI. Because of the similar val-ues my peers and I share, academic,extracurricular involvement, and faith,I have met some of my best friends.

The teachers at Paul VI sacrificethemselves each day to teach their stu-dents topics like Algebra II and biology,but more importantly to urge their stu-dents to achieve greatness. I feel espe-cially blessed to have been exposed toPaul VI’s progressive strategy in usingthe iPad in classrooms since this is such

a common approach to learning in thecollege level and beyond.

Attending a Catholic high school hasoffered me the unique opportunity tointegrate my faith in not only the schoolcurriculum, but also in my everydayexperiences at Paul VI. The morals andvalues that are part of a Christianupbringing are evident in the expecta-tions and interactions at my school.This is the definition of what my educa-tion means to me. Due to my Catholiceducation, I have become more open toreceiving God's call in my life.

As a Catholic school student, I amblessed to celebrate my faith each daywith my peers who share the samebeliefs and who aspire to live them outevery day. The presence of religion inmy school influences the students to

participate with and be involved in thecommunity.

The service requirement in my highschool has fostered my desire to helpothers and model Christ's example. Inaddition, it has influenced me tobecome a well-rounded individual, con-cerned with issues other than my own.

I am confident that had I not made thechoice to attend Paul VI four years ago,I would not be the individual I amtoday. I cannot thank my parentsenough for their sacrifice, and all thosewho work to support the Catholicschool systems. My Catholic educationand faith is ingrained in my character. Itis essential to who I am. That is some-thing special which I will cherish andhold with me for the rest of my life.

Why America needs Catholic schools

School has taught me to work hard and have faith

‘I wake up energized to attend Paul VI’

HANNAHCHOMICZEWSKI

PATRICKMACDONALD

NATASHAFILIPOV


Atlantic CityOur Lady Star of the Sea Regional SchoolPrincipal: Mrs. Susan Tarrant15 North California Avenue, 609-345-0648

BerlinOur Lady of Mt. Carmel Regional SchoolPrincipal: Mrs. Alice MalloyOne Cedar Avenue, 856-767-1751

BlackwoodOur Lady of Hope Regional SchoolPrincipal: Sr. Paula Marie Randow, OSF420 South Black Horse Pike, 856-227-4442

CamdenHoly Name SchoolPrincipal: Mrs. Patricia Quinter700 North Fifth Street, 856-365-7930

Sacred Heart SchoolPrincipal: Miss Janet WilliamsFourth and Jasper Streets, 856-963-1341

Saint Anthony of Padua SchoolPrincipal: Dr. Mary Burke2824 River Avenue, 856-966-6791

Saint Joseph Pro-Cathedral SchoolPrincipal: Ms. Frances Montgomery2907 Federal Street, 856-964-4336

Cape May Court HouseBishop McHugh Regional SchoolPrincipal: Mr. Thomas McGuire2221 Route 9, 609-624-1900

Cherry HillResurrection Regional Catholic SchoolPrincipal: Sr. Lydia Etter, OSF402 North Kings Highway, 856-667-3034

ClaytonSaint Michael the Archangel Regional SchoolPrincipal: Miss Janice Bruni51 West North Street, 856-881-0067

CollingswoodGood Shepherd Regional SchoolPrincipal: Mr. Donald Garecht100 Lees Avenue, 856-858-1562

East VinelandSaint Mary Regional SchoolPrincipal: Mr. Steven Hogan735 Union Road, 856-692-8537

GallowayAssumption Regional Catholic SchoolPrincipal: Mrs. Mary Ellen Schurtz146 South Pitney Road, 609-652-7134

GibbstownGuardian Angels Regional SchoolPrincipal: Sister Jerilyn Einstein, FMIJ150 South School Street856-423-9440 (Gibbstown)856-423-9401 (Paulsboro)

Haddon HeightsSaint Rose of Lima SchoolPrincipal: Mr. William Stonis300 Kings Highway, 856-546-6166

HaddonfieldChrist the King Regional SchoolPrincipal: Mrs. Anne Hartman164 Hopkins Avenue, 856-429-2084

HammontonSaint Joseph Regional SchoolPrincipal: Sr. Betty Jean Takacs, MPF133 North Third Street, 609-704-2400

Mays LandingSaint Vincent de Paul Regional SchoolPrincipal: Ms. Linda Pirolli5809 East Main Street, 609-625-1565

MerchantvilleSaint Peter SchoolPrincipal: Sr. Rosa Maria Ojeda, MDPVM51 West Maple Avenue, 856-665-5879

PennsaukenSaint Cecilia SchoolPrincipal: Sr. Alicia Perna, SSJ4851 Camden Avenue, 856-662-0149

RunnemedeSaint Teresa Regional SchoolPrincipal: Sr. Patricia Scanlon, IHM27 East Evesham Road, 856-939-0333

Somers PointSaint Joseph Regional SchoolPrincipal: Mr. Theodore PuglieseHarbor Lane, 609-927-2228

StratfordJohn Paul II Regional SchoolPrincipal: Mrs. Helen Persing55 Warwick Road, 856-783-3088

VinelandBishop Schad Regional SchoolPrincipal: Dr. Patrice DeMartino922 East Landis Avenue856-691-4490

Westville GroveHoly Trinity Regional SchoolPrincipal: Ms. Elsie Tedeski1215 Delsea Drive, 856-848-6826

WildwoodCape Trinity Catholic Regional SchoolPrincipal: Sr. Sheila Murphy, SSJ1500 Central Avenue, 609-522-2704

WilliamstownSaint Mary SchoolPrincipal: Mrs. Patricia Mancuso32 Carrol Avenue, 856-629-6190

Woodbury HeightsSaint Margaret Regional SchoolPrincipal: Sr. Michele DeGregorio, FMIJ773 Third Street, 856-845-5200

AbseconHoly Spirit High SchoolPresident: Rev. Perry CherubiniPrincipal: Miss Susan Dennen500 New South Road, 609-646-3000

Cherry HillCamden Catholic High SchoolPresident: Mrs. Mary WhipkeyPrincipal: Mrs. Heather Crisci300 Cuthbert Boulevard, 856-663-2247

GloucesterGloucester Catholic High SchoolHead of School: Mr. John T. ColmanPrincipal: Mr. Edward Beckett333 South Ridgeway Street, 856-456-4400

HaddonfieldPaul VI High SchoolPresident: Mr. Michael ChambersPrincipal: Sister Marianne McCann, MPF901 Hopkins Road, Suite B, 856-858-4900

HammontonSaint Joseph High SchoolPrincipal: Mrs. Lynn Domenico328 Vine Street, 609-561-8700

NewfieldOur Lady of Mercy AcademyPrincipal: Sr. Grace Marie, D.M.1001 Main Road, 856-697-2008

PennsaukenBishop Eustace Preparatory SchoolHeadmaster: Brother James Beamesderfer, SACAcademic Dean: Mr. Philip Gianfortune5552 Route 70, 856-662-2160

RichlandSaint Augustine Preparatory SchoolPresident: Rev. Donald F. Reilly, OSADean of Academics: Mr. Joseph Vandenberg611 North Cedar Avenue, P.O. Box 279, 856-697-2600

North WildwoodWildwood Catholic High SchoolPresident: Rev. Joseph WallaceAcademic Dean: Miss Mary Kane1500 Central Avenue, 609-522-7257

Secondary School Directory

Elementary School Directory

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