Msgr. Joseph Hendricks Honored for Outstanding Support of Catholic Education

Arlington, Va.—Msgr. Joseph Hendricks, pastor of St. Brigid of Kildare Parish in Dublin, Ohio, has been named a 2012 Distinguished Pastor by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).

Msgr. Hendricks will accept the national award during a ceremony at the association's annual convention April 11–13 in Boston, Mass.

During his 14 years as pastor, Msgr. Hendricks has collaborated with parents and parishioners to implement a comprehensive marketing plan, a standards-based assessment program, and a cost-based tuition and needs-based assistance financial structure for St. Brigid School. Principal Kathleen O'Reilly described Msgr. Hendricks as a faith-filled mentor and an inspirational leader who is a "consistent and important presence in our school community."

"There are alternatives to Catholic education, but there are no substitutes," said Msgr. Hendricks, adding that his school is the "crown jewel of St. Brigid."

School parents Dianne and Paul Schmeling credited Msgr. Hendricks with establishing a strong youth ministry that "makes all feel welcome, intelligent and a part of the parish community. Our young people are the real way to keep our Catholic faith growing, and Msgr. Hendricks is successfully leading the way at St. Brigid of Kildare."

Msgr. Hendricks is one of  9 pastors nationwide who have been chosen to receive NCEA's Distinguished Pastor Award this year. The following will also be honored:

• Father Ralph Caputo, St. Bernard Parish, Brooklyn, N.Y.
• Father Daniel Gartland, Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception and St. Lawrence Church, Lafayette, Ind.
• Father Joseph Gatto, St. Gregory the Great Parish, Williamsville, N.Y.
• Father Dominic Grassi, St. Gertrude Parish, Chicago, Ill.
• Msgr. Michael Heras, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Corpus Christi, Texas
• Father Daniel Lamothe, Parish of the Holy Spirit and Mary, Queen of Peace Parish, Keene, N.H.
• Father Thomas Molini, St. Gerard Majella Parish, Kirkwood, Mo.
• Father Ric Schneider, St. Mary's Parish, Bloomington, Ill.

"Pastors provide support that is vital to maintaining excellent Catholic schools, both through their spiritual leadership and their efforts to work closely with the school community," said Brother Robert Bimonte, executive director of the NCEA Department of Elementary Schools. "In honoring these individuals, we acknowledge the many pastors across the country who give so much to assure outstanding Catholic education in their communities."

About the Convention
NCEA's annual convention—which draws educators, administrators, catechists, pastors and parents from throughout the nation—will offer informative sessions, liturgies and networking opportunities. The event at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center will also feature an exhibition of educational products and services from more than 300 companies.

Keynote speakers will include Father Ron Rolheiser, president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, and Dr. Mary McDonald, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Memphis, Tenn. Father J. Bryan Hehir, Harvard University professor and secretary of health and social services for the Archdiocese of Boston, will deliver the convention's closing address.

The convocation of the National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors and the annual meeting of the Catholic Library Association will take place concurrently with the NCEA convention.

NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA's members include elementary schools, high schools, parish religious education programs and seminaries.

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