BACK TO SCHOOL AUGUST 22, 2014 A SUPPLEMENT TO THE CATHOLIC STAR HERALD Photo by Alan M. Dumoff Amy Thomas looks through a rack at the uniform exchange at Assumption Regional Catholic School, Galloway, on Aug. 6. Back to school, back to faith By Mary P. Boyle the way or means of reaching a goal; is it not a time for parents to reflect on nourishment at the table of the route or routine can set us on a deliber- the goal of the life lived in Christ that Eucharist? As the lazy, hazy days of summer ate course of action. you hoped for and promised for your Those of us called to serve in the march toward the crispness of autumn, No one can replace the teaching mis- child in baptism? Is God ever in your ministry of Catholic school education for parents and young people in schools sion of parents. “As it is the parents plan? As you begin to get your child, entrust in our prayer to our loving God in the diocese and beyond, thoughts who have given life to their children, on teen, college-age son or daughter ready all of our parents. You are the domestic turn toward going back to school. them lies the gravest obligation of for the routines of regular schedules, church, the first apostles, the first teach- Back to school, for many, means a being primarily responsible for their can you take time to develop the plans ers of the church’s most precious return to routines and reconnecting to education” (Gravissimum Educationis, for being happy in this world so as to be resource. hearth and home. One of the more 1965) . happy with God in heaven? What are obscure meanings of this word, from Along with the many routines associ- your plans for regular family prayer, Mary P. Boyle is superintendent of Old French, indicates that a routine is ated with these “back to school times,” regular family worship, and regular schools, Diocese of Camden. S2 — CATHOLIC STAR HERALD BACK TO SCHOOL AUGUST 22, 2014 New Principal for Our Lady Star of the Sea, Atlantic City When the school doors open on Sept. pal in the Archdiocese of Hartford, cant role in opening and growing St. 3, Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Conn. Earlier, she served as a teacher of Bridget School in Connecticut. Atlantic City will be welcoming Susan students with disabilities in Superintendent of Schools Mary P. J. Tarrant as its new principal. Massachusetts. Boyle states, “Having herself been edu- Tarrant, who resides in Cape May Tarrant holds a graduate certificate in cated by the Sisters of Mercy in what is with her husband and is the mother of pastoral and Catholic school adminis- now the Diocese of Metuchen, Mrs. two grown sons, has most recently tration, as well as a certificate in reli- Tarrant looks forward to continuing the served as an administrator in the gious education and school leadership proud tradition and strong leadership of Archdiocese of Philadelphia at Mary, from Sacred Heart University in the Sisters of Mercy that Our Lady Star Mother of the Redeemer School, North Connecticut. She has a master of arts of the Sea School has been built upon Wales, Pa., and St. Ignatius of Antioch degree in education from Sacred Heart for the past 106 years.” School, Yardley, Pa. She was instru- University and a bachelor of arts in Father Joseph Pham, pastor, is confi- mental in both schools being designated education from Kean University in dent that Tarrant will “ensure our abili- as Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence New Jersey. She is certified in New ty to maintain our mission and continue by the U.S. Department of Education. Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. to be the bright Star of the Sea that Prior to serving in the Philadelphia Tarrant has served on numerous com- guides our next generation to greatness Archdiocese, she ministered as a mittees to enhance curriculum and under the blessings poured forth from teacher, assistant principal, and princi- school visibility, and played a signifi- Our Lady.” SUSAN J. TARRANT When tragedy strikes a member of the school community By Peter G. Sánchez In the Camden Diocese, there are “We do our best to accommodate “be Christ to them, in their time of many avenues of support for grieving children and their families,” said Sylvia need.” Comfort the afflicted. students and their families. In most ele- Loumeau, program director, “to help Being at the school every day during One of the six spiritual works of mentary schools, the school staff works children develop healthy coping mech- the school year, celebrating Mass, mercy, this action commands Catholics in conjunction with the diocesan Office anisms.” teaching religion class, having lunch in to bring God’s compassion to others. In of Catholic Schools to bring in a coun- In moments of tragedy, “the whole the faculty lounge, keeping his office South Jersey’s Catholic schools, the selor or other support for students, school is brought together,” said door open for students, Father Caparas teachers, staff, and administration’s call inside and outside the classroom, on an Cathryn Flammer, advancement direc- is a constant school presence. to practice this does not take a summer as-needed basis. tor for Assumption Regional Catholic “I’m not a stranger to students,” he vacation, as evidenced this past sum- Mary Boyle, superintendent of School in Galloway Township. said. “I go to them, and seek them out, mer with the Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic Schools for the Diocese of After a kindergartener’s mother died and make myself available. School community. Camden, quoted of cancer three “I genuinely care for, and love them. On June 24, 4-year old Bode Taylor Augustinian years ago, a Students have to know that I will be drowned in Upper Township. The Father Robert J. memorial garden there for them.” school community at Bishop McHugh, Murray in speak- “A Catholic was created on the At times, he will also meet with stu- in Dennis Township, knew Bode and ing of the role of school grounds. dents’ families and visit a hospital his family. His 7-year-old sister, Riley, guidance coun- school opens Last May, the where their loved one is being cared for had just completed first grade at the selors in the school’s third and pray with them. school. schools, who need up opportunities annual Recess At times, Father Caparas will refer a Soon after news of his death, the to have “an open- Relay was held, student to, or be referred to a student by, school community reached out to ness to envision with the communi- the school’s guidance counselors. Bode’s family. A daily “meal train” their work as a for students ty raising money Together, the priest and the counselors was set up among families, ensuring vocation.” for the American can address students’ spiritual needs. the grieving family wouldn’t have to She also adds to pray and Cancer Society “It’s good that we can communicate worry about dinners. Flower and fruit that “persons and learning about with each other,” he said. baskets multiplied on their front steps. called to positions cancer causes and This past June, Sandy Rehrig’s father Masses in Bode’s name were sched- of guidance coun- join hands in prevention. died after a battle with bladder cancer. uled around the diocese, most notably selors in Catholic Last year, a The Gloucester Catholic science at St. Damien Parish in Ocean City, schools bring a supporting a school family lost teacher is grateful for the love and sup- where the family attends. A grief distinctively pas- their house in a port Father Caparas gave during her counselor from the school met with toral perspective grieving family.” fire. The father’s illness to her; her son, Riley. to the interactions Assumption com- Christopher, a high school senior last “The response from the community, in which they munity quickly year; and her nieces, also school stu- and their love and support, was over- engage in the lives raised $1,000 in dents. whelming,” said Christine Czaja, of co-workers and — Tom McGuire, gift cards for the “He was heartwarming, affectionate Bode’s mother. students.” school principal family. and supportive,” she said. “He made it Tom McGuire, Bishop McHugh prin- In five elemen- In Catholic high a point to visit my son throughout the cipal, was on his first week on the job tary schools in the schools, students year, sometimes on a daily basis.” when Bode’s death affected the family diocese — St. Anthony of Padua and St. can reach out to guidance counselors The last week of her father’s life, and the school community. Having Joseph Pro-Cathedral, both in Camden; and to Directors of Catholic Identity in Father Caparas visited him at the hospi- spent the previous two years as assis- St. Cecilia, Pennsauken; St. Peter, times of grief. tal, and administered the sacrament of tant principal in a Catholic school out- Merchantville; and Cape Trinity The Directors of Catholic Identity, the anointing of the sick. He also con- side the area, McGuire has seen how Catholic, Wildwood — Catholic diocesan priests working full-time or celebrated his funeral Mass at St. Maria Catholic schools can support families in Charities’ School-Based Family part-time in five high schools, act as Goretti Church in Runnemede. their time of need. Support Program will provide available pastors for the school community, shar- Rehrig is thankful for the whole “A Catholic school opens up opportu- counselors to students and staff four ing Christ’s message of love and mercy.