Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York 2019-2020 Year in Review
The Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York present this video retrospective of the 2019-2020 academic year. From the first day of school to graduation – and everything in between – we thank our parents, teachers, and students for a wonderful year, amidst extraordinary circumstances.
Superintendent of Catholic Schools Sends End of Year Message to Students and Families
As the 2019-2020 school year comes to a close, Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of New York Michael J. Deegan speaks to the challenges we faced in what was a year unlike any other. Mr. Deegan highlights the accomplishments and continuity of learning achieved amidst the COVID-19 shutdown; the financial challenges faced by the Archdiocese as a whole; and the future of Catholic schools, now being planned by the Catholic School Reopening Advisory Council. Mr. Deegan promised to keep in touch with families throughout the reopening process.
Cardinal Dolan Issues Update on Developments Across the Archdiocese of New York
In his letter to the Family of the Archdiocese of New York, His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan shares some good news concerning Daily Mass re-openings happening across New York State now and in the next few weeks, and also that funerals, weddings, and baptisms can now be held once again.
In addition, Cardinal Dolan also reviews the results of recent fundraising efforts by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese, the transition to home-based learning by Catholic Schools, and the current and future financial outlook for the Archdiocese.
Click here for the English version | Haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio
Superintendent of Catholic Schools Congratulates 2020 8th Grade Graduating Class
In this newly-released video, Michael J. Deegan, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York, expresses his congratulations to our 2020 Graduating 8th Grade Class, acknowledging their dedication and hard work, and thanking their principals, teachers and especially their parents for giving them the lifelong gift of a Catholic education. Mr. Deegan closes with the hope that these graduates will carry this gift with them to high school and beyond, and give back, to their communities and to their church.
Class of 2020 Valedictorians and Salutatorians
Each year, Catholic New York salutes the hard work and dedication of the members of the senior class graduating from the 44 Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New York. Each school’s valedictorians and salutatorians are recognized for their academic achievements in the listings. Above, St. George Academy 2020 Valedictorian Precious Mann, and Salutatorian Alexandra Pabon. Congratulations to one and all!
Profiles in Courage: Our 2020 High School Graduates!
Catholic New York profiled five outstanding Catholic school students from the Class of 2020 including, from left to right: Virginia Capellupo from Kennedy Catholic High School in Somers, Ethan Zayas from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, Catherine Sutterlin from Dominican Academy in Manhattan, Alexander Luey from St. Joseph by-the-Sea on Staten Island, Caitlin McCartney from John S. Burke Catholic High School in Goshen. The students speak about what their experience has been as graduating seniors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and their bright plans for the future.
> Click here to read all about these outstanding individuals!
Courtesy photos of the graduates were provided by their schools.
Commission of Religious Leaders Issue Statement on the Death of George Floyd
haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio
The Book of Ecclesiastes teaches us, “There is a time to be silent and a time to speak out.” We of different faiths cannot remain silent after we watched the shattering video of a police officer keeping his knee on the neck of George Floyd who was crying out “I can’t breathe.” Such inhumane treatment of another human being requires a collective response from all people of conscience. The pursuit of justice is a fundamental tenet of our respective religious traditions, and thus we stand together to declare that all life is sacred, and all people are equal before the law in a democratic society.
We respect those who want to honor George Floyd’s memory with peaceful protest against the horror, evil, and sin that is racism. We also support the members of Floyd’s family who said, in part, “We cannot endanger each other as we respond to the necessary urge to raise our voices in unison and in outrage. Looting and violence distract from the strength of our collective voice.”
We often speak of “thoughts and prayers.” We will offer our many prayers of healing, but we need not only serious thoughts but also firm action as we work together with all members of our community to find that critical cure for human hatred.
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| Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Chair | Rev. Dr. A.R. Bernard, Sr., President | Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Vice President |
Maria Regina High School Chorus Performs Somewhere Over the Rainbow Online!
The chorus ensemble at Maria Regina High School dedicated a virtual performance of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ to first responders. Watch the videos!
Click here to see the choir’s full performance of this beautiful tribute.
Mother’s Day Greeting from Superintendent of NY Catholic Schools
Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York Michael J. Deegan sent a Mother’s Day letter to all Catholic School parents today, which he summed up as follows:
“As we focus on the dynamic of the home, now more than ever we must remember and honor the thousands of Catholic school parents who cannot work from home because their careers are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please join me in saying a Hail Mary for all of our parents — especially the mothers — who are doctors, firefighters, nurses, police officers and EMTs. Please also pray for all our parents who are keeping supply lines moving, stocking shelves and proving all the services our society needs to get to the other side of this crisis. God bless them all.”
Catholic Schools Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week
Schools and communities across the Archdiocese of New York are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, from today, May 4 through this Friday, May 8. In a heartfelt letter to our Teachers this morning, Superintendent Michael J. Deegan wrote:
“You are here because you believe in what Catholic schools do and how we do it. You know that the centuries-old formula that adds faith, love, and ingenuity, multiplied by hard work, will always equal success. You are the beginning, and center of that equation, and as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week it is appropriate to shout our thanks from the rooftops.”
Westchester Family Magazine Covers The Catholic School Choice
Many families move to Westchester County for the excellent public school system. Yet, many also decide that private religious school education is the best fit for their family. Faith-based schools have a unique curriculum and environment that can be beneficial to all students regardless of their faith. This useful article published by Westchester Family Magazine outlined several aspects of a Westchester Catholic school education as a way for you to understand what this education option has to offer, covering the history, experience, academics/curriculum, and admission/tuition of Catholic Schools in Westchester County.
> Click here to read the full article!
St. Patrick’s School Receives 2020 Best of Yorktown Heights Award
St. Patrick’s School has been selected for the 2020 Best of Yorktown Heights Award in the Private School category by the Yorktown Heights Award Program.
Each year, the Yorktown Heights Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Yorktown Heights area a great place to live, work and play.
> Click here to view full press release
12-year-old girl describes being affected by COVID-19
The coronavirus hit very close to home for Nelsa, a student and aspiring journalist at St. Peter’s School, Poughkeepsie.
Using her talent for writing, Nelsa sheds light on what life is like now.
> Click here to read the full article.
10-year-old plans ‘burger tour’ when quarantine ends
One of our ambitious students, who will no doubt become a successful journalist one day, wrote an Op-Ed for Mid Hudson
News. Riley (pictured here) is a 5th grade student at St. Mary’s School in Fishkill, and though being able to stay home from school each day may sound like a child’s dream, Riley penned this piece on why she and her brother miss going to St. Mary’s every morning, demonstrating how special our Catholic schools really are.
Click here to read the full article.
As one of Mid-Hudson News’ “Student Journalists,” Riley wrote a second article about what to do when this is all over — a question that is on many minds these days.
Click here to read Riley’s answer to that!
Superintendent of Schools Gives High Marks for Remote Learning
Michael J. Deegan, superintendent of schools in the Archdiocese of New York, reflected on poignant examples of how well students across the archdiocese are coping at home amid the coronavirus pandemic that has closed their schools since March 16.
Referring to videos and social media posts showcasing the prayers of youngsters that have been sent to his office, Deegan said he has been deeply moved by “the child who stands in front of the crucifix” and says an Our Father dressed in his school uniform, then turns to the American flag and recites The Pledge of Allegiance, “or the child who knelt at their bed and said a ‘Hail Mary’ or an ‘Our Father’” before going to sleep.
“It’s gratifying to feel and to see that our Church, our faith, our prayer life continues even remotely through the vehicle of our Catholic schools,” Deegan said. The superintendent spoke with CNY in a phone interview March 27.
> Click here to read the full article
Charity, Safely at Ursuline School in New Rochelle
Coleen Nevin and daughter Noelle, a freshman at the Ursuline School in New Rochelle, volunteer at the third social-
distancing friendly drive Ursuline sponsored to replenish local food stocks April 18. They are pictured alongside goods loaded into the school van. The school community donated non-perishable food items delivered to the New Rochelle site of the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater New York City. Ursuline families have also recently donated to other food pantries, including St. Peter-St. Denis in Yonkers.
> Click here to read the full article in Catholic New York!
How Catholic schools are serving immigrant families during the coronavirus pandemic
Principal Jessica Maldonado from St Thomas Aquinas Elementary School was featured in America Magazine. St. Thomas Aquinas, a school in the Northwest/South Bronx region, has an 85% Latino population, and Principal Maldonado speaks about how her school prepped for the COVID-19 crisis as well as how she continues to lead her 188 students and 25 staff members.
Our Superintendent Mr. Michael J. Deegan also comments on how the second largest Catholic school system in the country is kept up and running and is distributing Chrome books in connection with our Inner-City Scholarship Fund.
Virtual Home Room: Saint James the Apostle School
St. James the Apostle School in Carmel was featured in the Putnam County Press, highlighting the school’s transition to home-based learning. Principal Maura Crawford emphasized the school’s uses of Google Classroom to allow continuity of learning, and noted that the school will continue to focus on what is most important, “faith and our St. James Family!”
Above: the story as it appeared in the Putnam County Press.
Art teacher displays students’ work in online gallery
Blessed Sacrament art teacher, Abigail Lelilis, set up virtual art galleries filled with student work. The gallery’s purpose is to continue to bring students together and allow them to foster their creativity while at home.
Click here to view the NY1 Article
You can view the galleries here:
Faith Amid Fear of Coronavirus Addressed at Student Leadership Conference
> Click here to view full article. > Click here for the video!
Student leaders from Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New York attended the fourth annual “A Catholic Lens” event at the Sheen Center for Thought and Culture on March 12. The theme was “The Culture of Encounter,” and addressed topics such as faith over fear, especially in light of the coronavirus pandemic. His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan started off the day by addressing students, and the event continued with keynote speaker Pete Burak, director of a Catholic outreach initiative that seeks to form young adults into international disciples of Christ, followed by a panel discussion, which also included two student panelists. The conference concluded with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction led by Father Joseph Espaillat.
Photo: FUTURE-FOCUSED—On stage for the panel discussion were Monica Morales, moderator; Pete Burak, keynote speaker, and panelists Danielle M. Brown, Father Joseph Espaillat, and students Virginia Capellupo and Frank Scafuri.
Cardinal Dolan on The Today Show: Even during coronavirus crisis, ‘God is with us’
At a time of anxiety, Cardinal Timothy Dolan joined The TODAY Show via Skype this morning, March 23, from his New York City home with a message of reassurance. He says that when he’s “tempted to some apprehension,” he turns to words from the Bible: “Fear is useless; what is needed is trust.” He says that our “faith is more radiant” to God when we maintain it despite being unable to attend religious services in person. > Click here to view Cardinal Dolan on The TODAY Show!
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York Extend Closure to Monday April 20
Safety of Students, Families, Staff and Greater Community a Primary Concern
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Monday, March 16, 2020 (Haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio): Superintendent of Catholic Schools Mr. Michael J. Deegan has announced that Catholic Schools within the Archdiocese of New York have extended the closure of all elementary schools in our system through Monday, April 20th, 2020. Informed by the current CDC guidelines and in consultation with other health professionals, the Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools made this decision out of concern for the well-being of our students, families and staff. We believe this decision will also help to successfully decrease risk to the whole community.
Last week, our principals and teachers prepared educational materials to engage our students in a week of home-based learning activities. This extended closure now requires that our professional educators, under the guidance of their regional superintendents, continue to plan for a long-term, home-based learning experience, which will include the same religious, values-infused curriculum we teach every day of the year, utilizing innovative strategies and technology. We are committed to providing families with additional information on a regular basis.
We understand our students, families, educators and the greater community are still coming to terms with all that has happened in the past few weeks. In addition to remaining faithful to our academic standards, we believe that home-based learning will provide a comforting sense of normalcy to the thousands of students we will continue to educate as we navigate these days of uncertainty together.
Our website provides continually updated resources for school information as well as best practices for staying healthy and links to the U.S. State Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization and other resources.
For more than two centuries, Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of New York have taught and nurtured children from diverse backgrounds and successfully provided students with the life-changing opportunities that are inherent in a Catholic education. Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York currently serve more than 62,000 students from PreK through 12th grade at more than 200 schools across nine counties and three boroughs throughout New York. That includes Manhattan, Staten Island, Bronx, and seven counties including Westchester, Orange, Dutchess, Rockland, Sullivan, Putnam and Ulster.
High Schools and Private Independent Catholic Schools closures are made independently of the Superintendent of Schools Office.
MASSES CANCELED IN ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK
In light of the continued concern surrounding the coronavirus, and the advice of medical experts, all Masses in the Archdiocese of New York will be canceled beginning this weekend, March 14-15, 2020.
This development follows upon today’s decision of Dutchess County to prohibit gatherings of more than 20 people. It is also intended to provide clarity and consistency throughout the ten counties that comprise the Archdiocese of New York (Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Dutchess).
Churches will, however, remain open for private prayer.
Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, urged the faithful to remember in their prayers all those whose lives have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. “Let us pray for all who are sick, as well as doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all those working hard to combat the disease. We should also remember those whose lives have been otherwise disrupted, especially anyone who has lost income from a loss of work during this difficult time.”
A private Mass will be celebrated in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and will be available on many cable systems via the Catholic Faith Network and its website here, livestreamed on the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral website here, and broadcast on radio on The Catholic Channel of Sirius XM (Channel 129).
Important Bulletin: Weekly Updates for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) for Catholic Schools and Families
Superintendent of Schools Issues Weekly Updates Relating to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) for Catholic School Families
Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Deegan wrote parents and guardians of students attending Catholic Schools across the Archdiocese of New York with an important update and parent resources relating to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Letter to the Catholic Schools Community from Superintendent Michael Deegan
February 24, 2020
Dear Catholic Schools Community,
Our current branding carries the motto “Faith-Based, Future-Focused”. While it has the ring of 21st century marketing, that slogan has always described our mission. From the days of Saint Frances Cabrini and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, everything that happens in each classroom begins and ends with the teachings of Jesus Christ. And yes, I’d say as those who introduced organized education to New York, our forebearers were definitely future focused.
I write to you today with very exciting news that carries on the bold spirit of old school Catholic education in New York. Indeed, we are in some ways re-imagining what we invented in the 1800s.
Please click on this link to a Catholic New York article about the creation of four new Catholic schools in three of our regions. September will see the opening of two new schools in Staten Island, with Manhattan and Rockland County each opening one new school. All of these new entities, created by bringing together two school communities respectively, will not only strengthen the foundation of Catholic education but also will provide the necessary room for the years of growth we anticipate will follow these developments.
These new ventures include enhanced early childhood education as well as enriched Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STREAM) programs and curriculum that serve the needs of students of all abilities.
Please read the article and get excited. The future is ours, and we know God will be with us every step of the way.
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael J. Deegan
Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York