Arlington, Va.—Father Ric Schneider, pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Bloomington, Ill., has been named a 2012 Distinguished Pastor by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).
Father Schneider will accept the national award during a ceremony at the association's annual convention April 11–13 in Boston, Mass.
As St. Mary's pastor for 18 years, Father Schneider has worked to ensure the future of the parish school and make Catholic education available to all families in the community, no matter their financial situation. Before becoming a pastor, he taught high school, served as a dean of students and spent a decade in vocations work.
"A school adds life to a parish," Father Schneider said in describing his Catholic educational philosophy. "When someone enters our school, they should feel welcome. They should feel the joy of children and teachers beginning every day with faith and prayer. It should feel Catholic."
Father Schneider 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 Thomas Molini, St. Gerard Majella Parish, Kirkwood, Mo.
"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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