Starting this fall, four priests will serve as constant, living representations of the Catholic Church to students, faculty and staff at local Catholic high schools.
Each will have the title of director of Catholic identity and will work full-time in the schools, teaching religion, leading school liturgical celebrations, encouraging vocations, and being a spiritual resource for the community..
The first four directors of Catholic identity are Father Allain Caparas (Gloucester Catholic, Gloucester City); Father Michael Goyette (Camden Catholic, Cherry Hill); Father Christopher Markellos (St. Joseph, Hammonton); and Father John Rossi (Paul VI, Haddon Township).
“These priests will represent the priesthood and model the importance of Catholic high schools,” said Bishop Dennis Sullivan, who created the position after meeting with the Catholic Schools Office.
“This is a major commitment on the part of our diocese,” he said, adding that the directors give the schools a “connection to the diocese and to me.”
Unlike previous high school chaplains, who juggled duties at multiple high schools along with parish work, each of the new directors will work in one school.
“I want the directors to be in these schools, as if it were their parish,” Bishop Sullivan said. “They should be at the door greeting (students) every morning, as if it were Sunday Mass. The school community is their people, and directors should be present to them in all aspects, not just during the school day.”
As well, it is hoped that by their example, students might consider vocations to the priesthood. “Priests are very influential in vocational decisions,” Bishop Sullivan said.
Father Michael Romano, director of vocations for the Diocese of Camden, said Bishop Sullivan wanted “young, active, vibrant priests, that can model a joyful example.”
“Catholic high schools and these directors can play a role in helping students discern a vocation.”
Father Caparas, one of the directors, called the initiative “an opportunity for young people. Close, positive, and nurturing interactions between them and priests, can have a positive, lasting impact on their growth.”
Directors of Catholic Identity will “impact (students’) faith positively, and assist them in their discernment, of God’s call in their lives.”
“Vocations are out there, but they need to be encouraged, cultivated, nurtured —students need positive, happy witnesses.”
Mary Boyle, superintendent of Catholic schools, is pleased with Bishop Sullivan’s vision.
“Catholic school education is an important mission of the church,” she said. “Bishop Sullivan is willing to invest the time and talents of four young priests, and create a culture of vocations.”
By Peter G. Sánchez for the Catholic Star Herald