Arlington, Va.—Msgr. Michael Heras, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Corpus Christi, Texas, has been named a 2012 Distinguished Pastor by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).
Msgr. Heras will accept the national award during a ceremony at the association's annual convention April 11–13 in Boston, Mass.
As pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help for 18 years, Msgr. Heras was instrumental in reviving and expanding the school to include a Montessori program and a middle school for seventh- and eighth-graders. He also helped open Blessed John Paul II High School in 2006.
"A Catholic school graduate is someone who leads a holy life, who prays daily, is active in the church and sacraments, nurtures a health body and mind, excels in academics and is involved in community service," said Msgr. Heras in describing his philosophy of Catholic education.
"Msgr. Heras personifies a Catholic school pastor," said Linda Cantu, principal of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy. "He has a clear vision and truly believes that Catholic schools are the center of evangelization in a parish."
Msgr. Heras 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
- 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 Christian 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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