Father Thomas Molini Honored for Outstanding Support of Catholic Education

Arlington, Va.—Father Thomas Molini, pastor of St. Gerard Majella Parish in Kirkwood, Mo., has been named a 2012 Distinguished Pastor by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).

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

After becoming pastor of St. Gerard Majella Parish in 2005, Father Molini led a $7 million capital campaign that added 13 classrooms to the school and a chapel to the church, as well as expanded the parish's gathering area.

"Father Molini was very involved in every aspect of the planning, demolition, construction and funding of our new facilities," even spreading mulch outside and hanging pictures inside before the dedication ceremony, said Colleen Hogan, school board president.

Dr. Jane Koberlein, St. Gerard Majella principal, described Father Molini as "someone who loves being a minister, who cares deeply about living and teaching the Catholic faith, and who joyfully uses every ounce of his energy to bring Jesus to everyone he meets." Teacher Julie Krummenacher called him "a role model for the students and faculty in how we can truly be alive in Christ."

Father Molini 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. Joseph Hendricks, St. Brigid of Kildare Parish, Dublin, Ohio
• 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 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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