On Friday, Jan. 27, teachers, staff and supporters of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Orange gathered at the Christ Cathedral Academy for the Fourth Annual Celebration of Catholic Schools Dinner. This event, tied to the celebration of National Catholic Schools Week, was a wonderful opportunity for educators from across the Diocese to gather with Bishop Vann to enjoy an evening together, while celebrating the gift of Catholic schools.
The celebration began with a presentation of the St. John the Baptist Clover Choir. Fr. Jerry Horan, vicar of Faith Formation, offered the opening prayer. The featured speaker, Sister Carol Cimino, superintendent of the Diocese of Buffalo, spoke strongly for the mission of Catholic schools, while keeping the attendees laughing.
The heart of the evening was dedicated to honoring educators who are celebrating milestone anniversaries of service this year. Those with 25 years, to as many as 50 years of service, were honored by Superintendent Greg Dhuyvetter and Bishop Vann. This was followed by awarding the Bishop Kevin Vann Award for Service to Schools and Diocese. This year’s awards were given to Helen Steves, director of Campus Ministry at Mater Dei High School, and Gordon Schmitt, volunteer and member of the Diocesan Consultative School Board, which has been instrumental in facilitating technology advances in the Diocese.
The evening concluded with words and blessing from Bishop Vann, who praised educators for their work and encouraged all to continue to work together to build the ministry of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Orange.
Honorees
25th Anniversary
Janice Babcock /St. John the Baptist School
Barbara Barreda / St. Columban School
Jean Bullock / St. Barbara School
Geri Campeau / Mater Dei High School
Jeanne De Pasquale / St. Cecilia School
Raymond Dunne / Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Barbara Hudson / Mission Basilica School
Doreen Moore / Servite High School
Jeanne Pitoniak / Blessed Sacrament School
Chris Stringer / St. Joseph Catholic School
Debbie Vallas / Christ Cathedral Academy
30th Anniversary
Frances Clare / Mater Dei High School
Dr. Aileen Doyle / Mater Dei High School
Rick Dellefield / The Parish School – St. Edward the Confessor Parish
Jan Estrada / Holy Family Cathedral School
Sandra Mendes / St. John the Baptist School
Anita Newland / St. John the Baptist School
Mercedes Ponticello / Mission Basilica School
Adela Solis / School of Our Lady
Janet Sciarra / St. Pius V School
Doug Williams / Santa Margarita Catholic High School
35th Anniversary
Mary Alvarado / St. Cecilia School
Xenia Jeske / Blessed Sacrament School
Joyce Kolakowski / St. Pius V School
Patrick Murphy / Mater Dei High School
David Taylor / Mater Dei High School
40th Anniversary
Margaret Murillo / St. John the Baptist School
50th Anniversary
Roisin McAree / Blessed Sacrament School
Bishop Vann Award
Gordon Schmitt / Diocesan Consultative School Board Tech Committee
Helen Steves / Mater Dei High School Director of Campus Ministry