Distinguished Catholic School Educators to Be Honored at Jan. 26 Liturgy
The Very Reverend Robert Longobucco, Vicar General and Vicar for Faith Formation and Education, will celebrate a Mass marking the start of national Catholic Schools Week in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany on Sunday, Jan. 26, at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Catholic school educators, friends of Catholic education, and community partners will be honored at the Mass. (Attached is a complete list of this year’s awardees.)
Among those to be honored this year is Mrs. Kelly Sloan, Principal of St. Madeleine Sophie School in Schenectady. Since assuming her role as principal in 2013, Mrs. Sloan has brought her spirituality and love to St. Madeleine Sophie School. She has provided a nurturing and faith filled environment while helping her teachers to support each and every student in her school. Mrs. Sloan will be receiving the Distinguished Administrator Award recognizing an administrator who promotes a school’s Catholic education, seeking to foster a Christian community of love in which God’s truth and life are integrated into the entire curriculum and life of the school. Other awards to be distributed include the Community Partner, Teacher of the Year, and School Staff Awards, among others.
The unveiling of the Annual Diocesan Art Show at the Empire State Plaza, South Concourse, will immediately follow the Mass. The celebration of Catholic Schools Week and the art exhibit together allow the 21 Catholic schools of the Albany Diocese to tell their stories and share their talent. Student artwork will be on display through Feb. 1.
“Quality Catholic education is available, affordable, and accessible in the Diocese of Albany and Catholic Schools Week is the perfect platform to spread this good news.” said Giovanni Virgiglio, Superintendent of Schools. “Our schools, each with their own unique charism and charm, have many activities and festivities planned for their communities. We will open the week united as a faith family with all of our schools at our annual diocesan liturgy at the Cathedral followed by our art show. All are welcome!”
National Catholic Schools Week has been celebrated annually since 1974 with special liturgies, open houses, and other activities that highlight the importance of Catholic education. The theme for 2020 is “Catholic Schools:”