Congratulations Sister Gail

This past week January 25th to January 31st has been celebrated as Catholic Schools Week—”Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service.” As a part of this week long celebration the Diocese hosts the Annual Catholic Education Dinner called GALA 22:6 from Proverbs: “Train the young in the way they should go; even when they are old, they will not depart from it” which references the importance of educational formation in the lives of our young people.

The 15th annual dinner was held this past Thursday celebrating Catholic schools in the Diocese of Buffalo. This celebration began in 2001 during Catholic Schools’ Week with a dedicated mission of providing needs-based tuition assistance for families across Western New York. The inaugural guest speaker was Buffalo native Tim Russert. At the event, Tim Russert established the Sister Lucille Socciarelli/Father Sturm Making a Difference Award. Through a video presentation Tim, (until his death) had given this award each year at the dinner to outstanding teachers for their dedication and service to Catholic education and the students it serves. His son continues his father’s presentation. The Bishop’s Medal is also presented to individuals who are recognized as being dedicated to Catholic causes, either through financial support, their personal commitment as a volunteer or lifelong dedication to the Church. This Medal recognizes the abiding value of a Catholic education in an increasingly complex world—an education based on faith, academic excellence, and a commitment to peace, service and discipline.

Among those being honored at the dinner was Sister Gail Glenn, our parishioner and the principal of Catholic Academy of West Buffalo.

For the 2014-15 school year, nearly 1,730 students both Catholic and non-Catholic are attending Catholic schools through a diocesan scholarship supported by this Dinner. The benefits of a Catholic education cannot be exaggerated. Year after year, students demonstrate superior performance on New York State standardized tests and 98% go on to college. More importantly, faith-based instruction helps develop them spiritually. When students graduate from Catholic schools they enter the real world with a solid moral and educational foundation.

Please continue to pray for the students, teachers and parents of Catholic schools. Open House at Catholic Academy is February 3rd from 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. and February 5th from 6:30—8:00 p.m. if you are interested.

Msgr. Manganello