This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Seton Scholarship Dinner

Over 225 supporters of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich turned out for the Fourth Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner, held on Sunday afternoon, November 3rd at the Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station in Haddam, Connecticut.  Thanks to proceeds from ticket sales, generous sponsorships, donations and a basket raffle, valuable funds were raised in support of Catholic Education, which will be distributed through the Catholic Foundation to students in financial need who attend Diocesan schools.  To date, the Seton Scholarship Fund has given well over $100,000 to our Catholic school students demonstrating financial need, and the number continues to climb.    

 

The Seton Scholarship Dinner also served to recognize individuals who have dedicated much of their lives to education.  Honorees included Reverend Roger Lamoureux, O.M.I, Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Willimantic, the late Sister Patricia Anne Barry, former school principal and Superintendent of Schools in the Diocese of Norwich, and John F. Shine Ph.D., who retired as Superintendent of Schools in the Diocese of Norwich in December of 2012. All three were recipients of the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for Contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich.  Sister Jeanne Barry, sister of the late Patricia Anne Barry, was present to accept the award on her sister’s behalf. 

Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

Following a state of Catholic Education address by Dr. Edward Shine, current Diocesan Superintendent of Schools, and the awards presentation got underway.  Each honoree was given the opportunity to briefly speak after being introduced by Dr. Shine and handed their award by Bishop Cote. 

Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

Upon accepting his education award, Father Lamoureux, affectionately known as Father Red, was truly humbled. In jovial fashion, he compared himself to the jockey Ron Turcotte, who with the famed horse Secretariat was winner of the U.S. Triple Crown in 1973.  Turcotte always seemed to defer to the horse when asked how it felt to win races. With great humility Father Lamoureux said “I am here because of St. Mary - St. Joseph School.”  He also noted “Catholic education is very precious,” and stressed the important role parents play in a Catholic education.  Michelle Dougherty, who is a parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish in Willimantic, said of her pastor at the end of the evening, “Father Red is a wonderful inspiration, a wonderful man, and a spiritual leader.”

 

Sister Jeanne Barry, in accepting the education award on behalf of her late sister, Sister Patricia M. Barry, spoke of her sister saying, “A quality Catholic education was her passion, and her life. She visited almost every Catholic school in New England.”  She also amused the crowd with tales of Sister Pat’s persuasive nature in recruiting educators for a variety of projects during the school year.

 

John F. Shine, Ph.D., who retired as Diocesan Superintendent of School in December of 2012,  asked the audience to ask themselves “what have I done, what am I doing, and what can I do in support of Catholic education?” Dr. Shine, known to many friends and colleagues as “Jack,” also shared some wit and wisdom with the crowd, and spoke of past honorees.  

 

In addition to the presentation of awards, basket raffle and delicious dinner, one of the evening included an essay recitation by Anna Wolk, an eighth grader at Sacred Heart School in Groton.  Anna’s winning essay “What Catholic Education Means to Me” was chosen among a field of excellent entries.  Anna’s message was clear as she told the audience, “My Catholic School has shaped me as a person and also helped me discover the person I want to be.” She continued, “Catholic schools allow each student an equal opportunity to be understood for who they truly are….I’ve grown in my faith, been taught discipline, and I have learned important morals about life.  I will take all of these things with me as I begin my life long journey.”  Anna’s winning essay was selected by Superintendent of School Edward Shine, Ed.D.  Her essay can be viewed in it’s entirety by visiting the Diocesan School Office website at www.norwichdso.org.  Diocesan school students were also involved in other elements of the evening.  Corbett Brassaw and Owen Ellis from St. Mary – St. Joseph School in Willimantic led guests in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Grace Mayeda, a harpist who attends St. Bernard School in Uncasville, provided music during the cocktail hour.  Monsignor Robert L. Brown, Chancellor for the Diocese served as Master of Ceremonies and the invocation was provided by Very Reverend Leszek Janik, Vicar General.  William J. Russell, Diocesan Finance Office, provided a toast.

 

The growing support and popularity of the Seton Scholarship Dinner demonstrates the value people place on a Catholic education.  Proceeds from the Seton Scholarship Dinner have made a Catholic education more attainable and more affordable for many of our Diocesan school students.  We are most grateful for all those who supported this year’s event.  According to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edward Shine, Diocesan schools help “bring our children closer to Jesus.”  In his concluding remarks for the evening, Bishop Cote said “we evangelize through our schools.” 

 

If you would like to learn more about getting involved in the 2014 Seton Scholarship Dinner as a patron or sponsor, please contact Mary Ellen Mahoney, Development Coordinator for Diocesan Schools at 860-886-1928 or email developmentdso@norwichdiocese.net

 

 

 

 

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?