For nearly 5 years now I have had the privilege to work with our Archdiocesan Catholic schools and our parish-based faith formation leaders. I have learned so much from all of these dedicated Catholic workers.

In June of 2020 I was named Vicar of the Center for Catholic Education and Faith Formation
by then-Archbishop Blair. The Center works with and oversees our Catholic elementary and high schools, which comprise the largest school district in Connecticut, and also works with all 113 parish-based Faith Formation Programs in the parishes of the Archdiocese. In addition, the Center comprises the New England Catholic Biblical School and the curriculum office for the Diaconate Formation program. I have worked with wonderful, talented and joy-filled people at The Center and across the whole of the Archdiocese. Simultaneously I served as President of St. Thomas Seminary, with various administrative duties, while also having the privilege of being assigned as pastor here at St. Catherine of Siena Parish.

Recently, I met with Archbishop Christopher Coyne and reviewed the work we all have done at
the Center for Catholic Education & Faith Formation and listed the Center’s and the Seminary’s accomplishments and new direction. I asked Archbishop Coyne if I might now return to parish work fulltime, and he graciously accepted my resignation and provided for my return to fulltime parish ministry effective October 1. It is my “sure and certain hope” that I will not see torches at the rectory after this announcement?!? I very much look forward to being in the parish fulltime. There is so much to do here, so much potential as a Catholic parish, and so many good people.

And at the Center for Catholic Education and Faith Formation a new leadership team has been
in place and is doing tremendous work: Valerie Mara is the first woman Superintendent of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese ’s history and has become the professional and faithful rudder to steer our Catholic schools in the right, growth-oriented direction for wonderful Catholic successes.

Superintendent Mara is assisted by Nancy Testa, Ph.D., assistant superintendent who was also a former principal at one of our largest Catholic elementary schools in the archdiocese. Kelly
Henderschedt, the Director of Faith Formation, is amazing Catholic woman and leader in Faith
Formation. She is assisted by her staff, and leads a team with great enthusiasm for the Christ, His Church, and our families. These women of faith are great assets to the Church, and have a vision for growth, hope and the love of Christ, which not only do our children need but also our families and our world deserves. Amen! Our new Archbishop, Christopher Coyne, has a powerful vision for Catholic education and faith formation in the Archdiocese, and is the leader we need to carry the vision for Catholic education and evangelization to grow the Church of Hartford.

Forward with Faith!