Michael J. Deegan, Superintendent of Schools
Michael J. Deegan has served the Church in Catholic education for almost forty years. He has taught at every level from elementary school through college and was a Catholic school principal for twenty years. In 2004, Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York, appointed Mr. Deegan Director of Inner City Schools to work with the 122 elementary and secondary inner-city schools of the Archdiocese.
Mr. Deegan was appointed Superintendent of Schools in September 2019, after having served as Interim Superintendent since April 2019, and as Deputy Superintendent of Schools since 2013. Mr. Deegan is a graduate of St. Philip Neri School, Bronx and Rice High School in Harlem; holds a bachelor’s degree from Iona College, a master of science in education from the College of New Rochelle and completed his post graduate studies at Manhattan College and Fordham University. Mr. Deegan is the recipient of numerous awards including the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Compassionate Educator Award, the John J. Bruno Catholic Service Award and is the Brother Edmund Rice-Christian Brothers of North America Centenary Partner Honoree.
Letters From the Superintendent
Easter 2022 Message to Catholic School Families
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April 13, 2022 | Holy Wednesday
Dear Catholic School Families,
Happy Holy Week! I cannot help but reflect on how far we have all come from those days of uncertainty in March of 2020. Like the disciples who were uncertain of the events over 2000 years ago – they were scared, locked away, and worried about what the future would hold. However, we know that Easter Sunday came, and the light of the resurrection shined! This week in every Catholic church across the world, we all have an opportunity to reflect, pray, thank the Lord, and rejoice in his tender care and Love. Along with Cardinal Dolan and our wonderful pastors and priests, I invite you to join us in prayer over the next week. Please consult the parish bulletin or website for the schedule of services. If you are one of our families who worship in another faith tradition or perhaps celebrate Holy Week or Easter a week from now, we invite you to unite with us in prayer.
At the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, we remember the institution of the feast of the Eucharist. I encourage you to share memories of your first communion with your child. On Good Friday, we recall that the Lord laid down his life in his goodness, giving us eternal life. On Holy Saturday during the Easter vigil, we light the Easter Candle reminding us that no matter how dark life can be at times, the light of Christ illuminates the darkness! We also welcome those who have journeyed through RCIA this past year and are prepared to join our Church in the sacraments of Initiation. We renew our baptismal promises on Easter Sunday, rejoicing by declaring He is Risen…He is Truly Risen!
As you celebrate and gather with your family and friends in the coming weeks, I hope this time will strengthen these bonds and fill your hearts with joy. Please click here to see this Easter Message from me, recorded with some of the wonderful students at St. Brendan School in the Bronx.
In preparation for returning from this much-needed vacation, please have your child use the COVID test provided by your child’s school to test the morning they return. If you need a test, you may order four free tests at https://www.covid.gov/tests. All health insurances cover the cost of rapid tests. Please contact your insurer for details on how to obtain one.
With warm wishes for a Joyful Easter!
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael J. Deegan
Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York
Welcome to Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York
Welcome to the Catholic school system of the Archdiocese of New York, one of the largest and most diverse in the nation. For two centuries, we have taught and nurtured children from varied backgrounds, especially those new to our land. In doing so, we have successfully provided our students with the life-changing opportunities that are inherent in a Catholic education, opportunities that excite, encourage and inspire, and most importantly, which foster a lasting relationship with Our Lord.
Over the years, our graduates have made impressive contributions in the fields of law, medicine, government and business, and assumed leadership positions in corporations large and small. We are most proud, however, of how our students consistently demonstrate our values by bringing the commitment to service learned in Catholic schools to all that they do, enriching their families, parishes and communities.
With our shared community of faith as our inspiration, the Superintendent’s Office is committed to strengthening Catholic education for the future. As we position our schools to grow and thrive in the 21st century, we continue to implement our strategic initiative, Pathways to Excellence, to chart a fresh, bold course for our newly regionalized school system that will ensure excellence in all aspects of Catholic education throughout the Archdiocese.
We encourage parents and pastors, principals and parishioners, business leaders and benefactors to join with us as we build on our Catholic school tradition for a new era.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Deegan
Superintendent of Schools
Pathways to Excellence
Throughout two centuries, the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of New York have maintained a steadfast dedication to educational excellence and Catholic culture rooted in faith, service and personal responsibility.
Inspired by that tradition, a three-year strategic plan, Pathways to Excellence, was initiated in 2010 to help the elementary schools of the archdiocese fulfill their critical mission as Christ-centered, academically excellent and welcoming communities.
Implementation entailed careful study and candid assessment of the school system’s strengths and areas for potential improvement. Designed not only to preserve, but advance Catholic education in New York, Pathways outlined critical objectives and realistic strategies to ensure the long-term success of a healthy system of fully-enrolled schools grounded in the Catholic faith.
One of the most ambitious – and necessary – strategies of this wide-ranging plan was to keep Catholic schools accessible and affordable by transitioning most elementary schools from the historical parish-based school model to a more sustainable regional one.
With regionalization, every parish, even those without a school on the property, and those whose schools remain parish-based, has a voice and an investment in the Catholic schools in their communities.
To serve students throughout the archdiocese, Pathways to Excellence embraces present challenges as an opportunity for change and renewal. It envisions current and upcoming leaders who will provide the bold, creative and energetic direction that will sustain the mission of Catholic education for generations to come. Pathways to Excellence reaffirms that the support of Catholic education is a communal, ecclesial duty that extends beyond the parents of school children and the parishes where schools are located.
Now, everybody is doing their part, sharing responsibilities and working together to ensure a bright and vibrant future for Catholic education in New York.
