Local News June 2006
New Assistant Principal Joins Seton Catholic
Chandler, AZ – June 28, 2006 -- Seton Catholic High School has named Mr. Patrick Reardon as its new Assistant Principal of Academics. Mr. Reardon, a lifelong resident of East Valley, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership, a degree in education administration, from Northern Arizona University.
Mr. Reardon has served as academic department chairman and held teaching and coaching positions for twelve years at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix. There he led efforts to involve the students in real-life experiences, such as engaging students in our state court system and in developing student internships so that students could gain experience in the business and non-profit worlds. Most recently, he was a teacher and the Network and Systems Administrator at the Summit School of Ahwatukee. He comes to Seton with a commitment to private education and to fulfill his desire to work with high school students. “This is an exciting time for Seton. I value our public high schools but Seton offers an experience that many students and parents are looking for: a rigorous academic, values-based program,” says Reardon.
“As Seton Catholic embarks on our $28 million campus expansion, Patrick brings a vision for the future, a commitment to academic excellence and the expertise needed to get the job done,” said Principal, Patricia Collins. Mr. Reardon will start his new position on July 1, 2006. He, and his wife Cathy, currently live in Ahwahtukee with their sons, Brett, age 12 and Daniel, age 10.
Seton Catholic Earns Overall Excellence Award
Chandler, AZ – June 15, 2006 -- Seton Catholic High School earned high honors on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at the Orpheum Theatre, where the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) awarded the Donald F. Stone Overall Excellence Award and recognized the school as the 3A finalist for the highly esteemed Blue Cup Award.
The Donald F. Stone Overall Excellence Award, which was established in the fall of 1964, honors both a 2A and 3A conference school. Seton Catholic is the only school in AIA history to ever win the award in both the 2A and 3A conferences. This marks the fifth time the Sentinels have earned the Overall Excellence Award, previously recognized in 1998 and 1999 for the 2A conference and in 2003 and 2004 for the 3A conference. The Blue Cup Award, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield, first awarded in 2004, honors two schools each year demonstrating sportsmanlike conduct, activity and athletic participation, while maintaining high grade point averages. This award is the top honor the AIA gives to member schools.
During 2005-2006, Seton Catholic earned a school record five state championships in cheer, baseball, golf, soccer (girls) and volleyball and ten regional championships. This was a record year for both cheer, fourth straight championship, and girls’ soccer, fifth straight championship. With an enrollment of 547 students, 66% participate in athletics and AIA sanctioned activities, averaging an overall 3.34 cumulative GPA.
First year Athletic Director and Seton Catholic Alum, Rick Miles notes, “This has been an unbelievable year for me. Being able to come back to my Alma Mater is something I have wanted to do for a long time and it is especially meaningful to be here at a time when we are making so many positive strides toward the future. It has been amazing to watch our athletes and coaches work so hard and earn five state championships – its makes my work extra meaningful.” In anticipation of increased enrollment with the completion of the new school facilities, Seton Catholic will petition in October to move to 4A division II. “We realize that this will be a big move for us. However, I have the utmost confidence in our coaches and their ability to prepare the Seton Catholic athletes. These athletes have the ability, spirituality and drive to meet the challenge.”
The Sentinels will remain in 3A for the 2006-2007 year, playing football games at Marcos de Niza on September 15th (v. Coolidge) and October 6th (v. Safford, Homecoming) and at Mesquite high school on October 27th (v. Globe), with construction on the new football field having begun in early May.
Director of Public Information Leaves Diocese for Bashas’ Position
Mary Jo West- Fair Winds and Following Seas- You will be greatly missed
(June 13)-The Director of Public Information, Mary Jo West, will be leaving June 16 for a position as the Director of Public Relations with Bashas, AJ’s and Food City supermarkets statewide. “We are grateful to Mary Jo for her media expertise and leadership for the past several years. Her positive attitude and friendly demeanor will be greatly missed,” stated Father Fred Adamson, Moderator of the Curia for the diocese. “We wish her all the best in her new endeavor in this new position.” Mary Jo helped guide the diocese through some tough times to build positive media relations. She is also credited with developing the weekly televised Mass from a taped ½ hour show, into a live, one hour show broadcast at 9:00 am on Sunday’s. She is truly a promoter of the Catholic Faith. Farewell messages can be e-mailed to her at mwest@diocesephoenix.org.
The new face of the diocese will be Mr. James Dwyer. Mr. Dwyer is coming to us from the Archdiocese of Chicago where he is currently the Director of Media Relations. He has vast experience in communications, public relations and public affairs. His first day will be August 1, 2006.
During the interim, media relations will be handled by the PIO staff, Becky Gonzales (602 354-2479) and Daniel Subia (602 354-2125).
June 13- Mass for Healing & Reconciliation, OLPH Glendale
(June 9)-Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and the Office of Child & Youth Protection invite all who have been abused by clergy or laity of the Catholic Church, & all survivors of abuse, their families, friends and the community to gather for a Mass of healing & reconciliation. This Mass will be celebrated on June 13 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glendale at 7:00 PM
Retrouvaille: A Lifeline for Troubled Marriages
(June 5)- Are you experiencing a troubled marriage and not sure what to do? Come and experience a Retrouvaille (retro-vie) weekend starting this June 23. Retrouvaille is a French word meaning rediscovery. The Retrouvaille program is designed to help couples communicate with each other better and to help them gain insight and understanding about themselves both as an individual and as a couple. Consisting of a weekend experience followed by 12 presentations given within three months of the weekend encounter, this weekend is not a spiritual retreat and you will not be asked to share your problems with anyone. Instead you will learn how to put the past behind you, looking beyond the hurting and pain in order to experience a retrouvaille with each other in a new and healthy way. Topics that will be covered include: beginning again, a look at me, listening, a place for God, values, conflict, love is a decision, forgiveness, sexuality, trust, intimacy and understanding your marriage as a sacrament. If you would like more information or would like to register, please call. (602) 254-6723 or 1 800 470-2230 You can learn more about Retrouvaille on their web site www.retrouvaille.org
Seton Catholic High School Boasts Six National Merit Scholars
(June 5)- Six students from Seton Catholic High School have been named National Merit Scholars. Students completing the Preliminary SAT Qualifying Test and meeting other eligibility criteria compete for academic recognition and scholarship awards. Only 8,200 of the 1.3 million students completing the PSAT progress to Merit Scholar. Neil Brown, Jennifer Hale, Matt Molloy, Matt O’Donnell, Erik Walsberg and Paul White, all Seton graduates from the Class of 2006, have earned this distinction.
Our Priests: 2 for Ordination, 2 Ordained a Total of 134 Years
Rev Mr. John Greb and Rev Mr. John Lankeit
(June 2)-This Saturday, the Diocese of Phoenix will ordain two new priests at Saints’ Simon and Jude Cathedral. The ordination commences at 10:00 a.m. Bishop Olmsted will conduct the ordination into the priesthood of both Rev Mr. John Greb (bio) & Rev. Mr. John Lankeit (bio). A reception will follow the ordination.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Today is a special day for Father Clemens Hut. He is celebrating 70 years as a priest. He was ordained by Bishop Joseph E. Ritter of Indianapolis, Indiana in 1936 at Saint Meinrad, Indiana Archabbey and School of Theology. Father Hut was at Queen of Peace, Mesa, AZ, in 1966 when the Pastor was Father John A. Deenihan. Father Hut will be honored at Christ the King Parish in Mesa, Arizona on June, 3, 2006 at the 4:00 p.m. Mass for his lifelong ministry.
We would also like to honor Father Tom Walsh who is featured below in an Arizona Republic article. Father Tom has been a priest for 64 years. He was ordained in 1942 in his home town of San Francisco. He first came to Arizona in 1960 as a parish priest and at the All Saints Catholic Newman Center at Arizona State University.
back row: Tom Petrola, Melissa Petrola and Angela Couet
front row: Leslie Konyha, Sarah Hose, Jennifer Dewey,
Kimberly Roland Missing from picture: Joe Hermiz
