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August 2001

Diocese of Phoenix to Celebrate Religious Educators on
Sunday, September 16, 2001

(Aug 29 Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix) -- On Sunday, September 16, 2001, parishioners of the Diocese of Phoenix, along with parishioners across the United States, will celebrate Catechetical Sunday 2001. The purpose of the special day is to honor catechists (religious education teachers) and to commission new teachers, principals, parish catechists, directors and coordinators of catechetical ministry, youth ministry leaders, and diocesan catechetical workers in preparation for the new year of classes for the religious education programs which will begin in October.

The commission of catechists demonstrates that they are called by the Church to share in the ministry of education and faith formation. Commissioning takes place at the special Sunday Mass to acknowledge the importance of religious education in the Church.

Catechists are extremely valuable to the Catholic Church. In Religious Education/Catechetical classes, the catechists instruct the faithful in the Word of God and teach doctrinal and moral principles of the Catholic faith. They teach a variety of classes such as those for Catholic children enrolled in public schools, special faith formation programs for parents and their children to attend together, and formation & faith enrichment opportunities for adults. In some parishes, catechists help teach a Children’s Liturgy of the Word which is presented while parents attend Sunday Mass. Religious Education/Catechetical Programs also provide teaching materials for parents to instruct their children in the home.This year’s Catechetical Sunday celebration marks the sixty-sixth year that the Church has honored its catechists. The focus this year’s celebration “Love Beyond All Telling” is dedicated not only to catechists but also to each and every person in the Church who provides formation and education to others.

Catholic Diocese of Phoenix Names New Principal for Notre Dame Preparatory in Scottsdale

(Aug 14 Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix) - The Most Reverend Thomas J. O’Brien, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix has appointed the new principal for Notre Dame Preparatory. On August 1, 2001, Mr. David D. Gonsalves started his duties as principal for the school, which is to be located at 98th Street and Bell Road in North Scottsdale.Mr. Gonsalves comes to the Diocese of Phoenix from Florida with over 34 years experience in education, specifically in Catholic High Schools. One of Mr. Gonsalves first duties as principal will be to staff the school and begin preparations for the opening of the school during the 2002-2003 school year at which time Notre Dame will welcome freshmen and sophomore classes.

When asked about his plans for the future, Mr. Gonsalves said, “I’m very excited to get involved right away. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be able to be part of the development of the school from the very beginning. I’m looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead and the opportunity to use my educational experience in the Diocese of Phoenix.”Notre Dame Preparatory will open with grades nine and ten with 180 students per grade. An additional grade will be added each year and by the 2004-2005 school year, will be open to all four grades with an estimated enrollment of 720; the school will accommodate 1000 students. During the 2001-2002 school year, there will be significant construction on campus to prepare for the opening. Renovations will be made to the media and technology center, science labs, and classrooms. Additions to the campus will include additional classrooms, a chapel, gymnasium and locker rooms, and athletic fields.

Catholic Schools have been and continue to be extremely successful. Locally the Diocese includes 15 preschools, 28 elementary schools, 4 high schools and 1 private high school with a total enrollment of over 14,000 students. Local Catholic high school students graduate 99 percent, and 98 percent go on to college.

Most of the Catholic schools within the Diocese are operating with waiting lists of those interested in having their children receive a Catholic education. Two new elementary schools, St. John Bosco and St. Timothy Academy, are scheduled to this month.