HICKORY — Quoting Aristotle and Abraham Lincoln, Bishop Michael Martin called on Catholic school leaders from across the diocese to “accentuate the uniqueness of our moment” by embracing new technology and new teaching methods to help the schools achieve their mission: building disciples.
A former Catholic school educator himself, the bishop met with the principals and presidents of the diocese’s 20 schools during their two-day spiritual retreat Oct. 29-30 at the Catholic Conference Center.
He urged them to recognize “the kids today” are different from those of 10, 20 and 30 years ago and to inspire their teachers – and themselves – to adapt their approach to better reach today’s students.
The bishop drew laughter with stories from his days as a Catholic school principal and student (when gym class meant climbing a rope to the ceiling).
He also posed for photos amid the fall color outside the conference center and pledged that, as long as school leaders remain committed to the mission, “I’m your biggest cheerleader.”
Asked what he missed most about his days in education, he smiled and replied: “The kids. There’s just such a richness there.”
— César Hurtado and Liz Chandler
ASHEVILLE — During her life, local parishioner Catherine Horan was a staunch believer in the importance of Catholic education and backed that passion with financial support – not once but twice.
Horan first surprised Mike Miller, then principal of Asheville Catholic School, with a gift of more than $110,000 prior to her death. Those funds paid for a new playground at the school, located next to St. Eugene Church.
“I knew Ms. Horan as a devoted supporter of the school. She would often stop to see how things were going. It wasn’t uncommon for her to ask us if there was anything we needed,” recalls Miller.
Upon her death, Horan also bequeathed a $1.4 million gift to the Sheridan-Mangan Endowment, established by Father Edward Sheridan, a retired priest of the diocese and former Catholic schools leader. The endowment, named for Father Sheridan’s parents, started with $50,000 and prior to Horan’s contribution was valued at $169,000.
Father Sheridan came out of retirement for two years starting in 2009 to serve as pastor of St. Eugene Parish in Asheville and Asheville Catholic School.
Notes Father Sheridan, “It was great that she did this. She left a legacy for the endowment to continue. People have been very supportive, and hopefully it will continue to help a lot of people.”
The Sheridan-Mangan Endowment has benefited hundreds of students at Asheville Catholic School by providing financial support, including tuition assistance.
Gina Rhodes, diocesan director of planned giving, said she knew Horan intended to leave a gift upon her death, because she wanted to make a lasting impact.
“Ms. Horan’s transformative gift will benefit Catholic students at Asheville Catholic School for generations to come,” Rhodes says. “More and more people across the diocese are remembering the Church in their estate plans – gifts from thousands to millions – and we are thankful for their generosity.”
Miller, who now serves as an assistant superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Charlotte, encourages anyone who would like to leave a bequest to support Catholic education to contact Rhodes.
“This is a wonderful way to leave a legacy that will have a positive impact,” he says. “Allow God to work through you to accomplish this important work.”
Fund an endowment
Interested in setting up – or adding to – an endowment to benefit your parish or Catholic school? You can establish an endowment in the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a trust or annuity, or a gift of real estate, life insurance, cash or securities.
Donors who make a planned gift become members of the Catholic Heritage Society, which now has almost 1,750 members.
For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
— Courtney McLaughlin