Articulating Hope
  • Home
  • Deacon Vernon's Blog
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Book Discussion Guide

Catholic Schools Week 2022

1/30/2022

1 Comment

 
Picture
My life has been impacted immensely by Catholic schools and the many dedicated teachers and administrators committed to excellence.  My journey with formal education began at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Old Monroe, Missouri. The solid academic foundation and spiritual formation I received during my elementary years from grade one through grade eight has served me well throughout life.

I am also grateful for my education and formation at St. Mary's Seminary in Perryville, Missouri and Paul VI Pontifical Institute in St. Louis, Missouri. My diaconate ministry has been blessed because of the training and formation I received at these institutions.

I have had the privilege of teaching Theology at Valle Catholic High School in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri. (2003-2005)

I was the Coordinator of Religious Education (2005-2009) for Assumption School in O'Fallon, Missouri. I also served as interim principal for the 2007-2008 academic year. During this time I was also able to serve St. Dominic High School in O'Fallon as a committee member when they were expanding the campus.

The years from the fall of 2009 through 2018 were spent working for the Diocese of Cheyenne as the Director of Pastoral Ministries. This also included serving as the Superintendent of Catholic Schools from 2010 through 2018. It was a beautiful opportunity to work with talented administrators and dedicated teachers at the Catholic elementary schools throughout the state of Wyoming located in Cheyenne, Casper, Gillette, Sheridan, Riverton, Rock Springs, and Laramie.

Getting an opportunity to move south to warmer weather was a treat for me. My wife was not necessarily in agreement. Apparently, I tolerate heat, humidity, bugs, and alligators a little better than what she does. Did I mention we also had a mandatory hurricane evacuation shortly after we arrived? Let's get to the real point.  It only hit freezing once all winter. What is there not to love about that! Anyway, many thanks to everyone at St. Francis by the Sea Parish and School for the memories of my time there as Director of Religious Education in 2018 and 2019. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina will always hold a special place in my heart.

Serving as Executive Director of Saint Albert Catholic Schools in Council Bluffs, Iowa 2019-2020 was not boring. A school that has a child care center, an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school all on one campus is a constant flurry of activity.  Well, that was true until we were told we had to shut down in March of 2020.  I will always be grateful to my fellow administrators as we navigated those uncharted waters.  I am also grateful to all those on the Foundation Board who helped  run a major gift initiative during a pandemic.  I never imagined that the school would be able to raise significant money when we were so limited in what we could do during the lockdown. However, each of you showed me what was possible despite the obstacles standing against us.

Subiaco Academy in Subiaco, Arkansas also captured my attention a few years back. I can only imagine the challenges of running a boarding school during a pandemic. I hope and pray that Subiaco will continue forming and educating students for generations to come.

Picture
To everyone who supports Catholic education, thank you for your generosity.

Have a wonderful
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK!

1 Comment
Terry Howell
2/5/2022 09:30:47 am

St Albert was blessed indeed to have your leadership and wisdom in those years, and I was sorry to see you leave, but understood it completely. Much of the success we have experienced there has been from groundwork you laid. As Billy Joel said, “Don’t go changin.”

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Author

    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.