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The canonizations of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II April 27 will mark a historic moment for the Catholic Church. To explore the meaning of the lives of these modern-day spiritual heroes, the U.S. Bishops Office for Media Relations asked several persons to reflect on their contributions. Writers include scholars and theologians – Catholic, Orthodox and Jewish – and media personnel involved in coverage of the much travelled John Paul II. Each could have written a book, but we limited them to the brief reflections presented here.

Catholic Deacon shares stories from his mission to serve God, children in poverty ‘God Took My Hand’ shows readers what is possible when a person follows God’s lead; proceeds benefit children in developing nations CANANDAIGUA, N.Y.  — In the new book “God Took My Hand,” author Kevin R. Carges offers readers a glimpse into the […]

St. Joseph and St. Lawrence schools to become parish-operated this fall St. Joseph School in Penfield and St. Lawrence School in Greece will become parish-run schools this fall under plans approved by Bishop Matthew Clark, in consultation with the pastors of both parishes. The schools have been operated by the Monroe County Catholic Schools system […]

The Worm Masters Team uses Vermicomposting to help our earth Avon, New York — Bright ideas, solid research and great teamwork won four students from St. Agnes School in Avon a berth as semifinalists in the Christopher Columbus Awards, a nationwide program that challenges middle-school students to explore opportunities for positive change in their communities. Through research, […]

My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, You likely have read or heard that I have asked a group of 23 people, representing a wide-range of perspectives and professions, to explore ways we can preserve our long tradition of providing Catholic School education in the Diocese of Rochester. The well-being of diocesan Catholic Schools affects […]

Bishop Matthew Clark assembles task force to
examine ways of preserving Catholic education
Bishop of Rochester Matthew Clark has assembled a special task force of 23 community
leaders from a wide-range of professions to examine ways of strengthening Catholic
education in the 12-county Diocese of Rochester.
The task force, which includes school and college educators and administrators, clergy,
attorneys, business executives, lay parish leaders and diocesan officials, met for the first
time on Sept. 5 and will continue to meet this fall. The work of the group is being
facilitated by the Center for Governmental Research, one of the leading policy analysis
and research organizations in the Northeast.
“I remain committed to Catholic education and wish to do all that is reasonably possible
to ensure that healthy system of Catholic schools be preserved and adequately
supported,” Bishop Clark said. “We have brought together this group of caring, creative
people from many perspectives and many backgrounds to look at all possible ways we
can broaden support for our schools, stabilize and enhance enrollment and continue a
tradition that dates back more than 150 years.”
After study and discussion of key issues affecting all aspects of Catholic education, the
task force is expected to make recommendations to Bishop Clark.
“It is no secret that Catholic Schools face many challenges unheard of a generation ago,”
Bishop Clark said. “At the same time, we also need to brainstorm as-yet unexplored
opportunities and new avenues so that our schools can continue to be a vital force in our
community and in the formation of tomorrow’s leaders. I am grateful that this task force
will not only tackle all the issues in a thoughtful and honest way, but offer advice on how
we can both celebrate the past and embrace the future.”
The Diocese of Rochester operates 39 Catholic Schools. More information can be found
on the Internet at http://schools.dor.org

DIOCESE OF ROCHESTER CATHOLIC SCHOOL TASKFORCE MEMBER LIST

Dr. Gerald Benjamin
Principal, St. Agnes School, Avon

Ms. Elizabeth Berliner
Principal, Holy Family Junior High Elmira
Mr. William Carpenter
Managing Director
UniCorp Ventures
Mr. John Crowe, Esq.
Partner, Underberg & Kessler
Sr. Diane Dennie, S.S.J.
Pastoral Administrator
Lyons, NY
Dr. J. Raymond Diehl II
VP Emeritus, Unity Health Systems
Deacon Laurence Feasel
Professor,
Monroe Community College
Rev. Joseph Hart, V.G.
Moderator of the Pastoral Center
Ms. Dawn Lannon
Comptroller
Farash Corporation
Mr. Wayne LeChase
Chairman
LeChase Construction
Deacon John McDermott
St. Rita’s Church, Webster
Sr. Janice Morgan, S.S.J.
President Emeritus
Sisters of St. Joseph
Rev. Thomas Mull
Pastor, St. Mary Church, Canandaigua
Betty Mullin-DiProsa, CEO
St. Ann’s Community

Rev. Kevin Murphy
Pastor, St. Louis Church
Pittsford
Lisa Passero
CFO, Diocese of Rochester
Sr. Elaine Poitras, C.S.C.
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. William Pickett
Consultant
Ms. Darlene Ryan
Manager, Carestream Health
Mr. Frank Staropoli
Consultant
Fr. Paul Tomasso
Pastor, City West Parishes
Sr. Edwardine Weaver, R.S.M.
Co-Director, Mercy Bridges
Ms. Gaynelle Wethers
Director, MulticulturalAffairs
Nazareth College
___________________________
Facilitators
Center for Governmental Research
Rochester, NY
– Sarah Boyce
– Kent Gardner
– Rebecca Sumner