GASTONIA — Jacob Nolan of Billerica, Massachusetts, has been named headmaster at St. Michael School. Nolan has served for the past two years as assistant principal of Lumen Verum Academy in the Archdiocese of Boston. He obtained a master’s of theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio.
In 2022, Nolan successfully completed the Institute of Catholic Liberal Education’s Aspiring School Leaders program.
“His passion for the Catholic Liberal Arts, combined with his years of classroom teaching and leadership qualities, will inaugurate an exciting new chapter in the history of our parish school,” said Father Lucas Rossi, pastor of St. Michael Parish.
“I entered the field of education because I greatly desired to share with students the ‘pearl of great price’ I had discovered: the incredible joy and freedom of a life lived with Jesus Christ,” Nolan said. “I am thrilled to be joining St. Michael Catholic School as headmaster.”
Lifelong Catholics, Nolan and his wife, Megan, have two sons, Ambrose and Augustine.
— Catholic News Herald
Father Timothy S. Reid, vicar of education for Catholic schools, and Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic schools, display the national award from the Catholic Education Foundation. (Photo Provided) CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s Catholic Schools system won the prestigious “Catholic Organization of the Year” title at the Catholic Education Foundation award ceremony held April 26 in New York City.
Recognizing the national excellence of Catholic institutions, the award noted the diocese’s system of 20 schools for its commitment to academic excellence, adherence to the Magisterium, promotion of Catholic identity and culture, and prioritization of authentic Catholic education centered on formation and evangelization.
The event, hosted by the CEF, drew priests, nuns, bishops and dignitaries from across the globe to celebrate the best of Catholic education.
Bishop Thomas Daly, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ committee on Catholic education and representative of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, delivered the keynote address.
The award presentation was led by the CEF’s president, Father Peter M.J. Stravinskas. In a nod to the leadership of the diocese’s Catholic schools system, he recognized Father Timothy S. Reid, vicar of education for Catholic schools, and Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic schools, for their contributions.
“Under the guidance of Father Reid and Dr. Monroe, the Diocese of Charlotte’s Catholic schools have ushered in a new era of Catholic culture-building and exceptionalism,” Father Stravinskas said. “Through their revised strategic direction for schools and the introduction of new positions such as the director of Catholic culture and identity, they have prioritized the mission of Catholic schools to serve as intellectual institutions of excellence, formation and evangelization.”
Accepting the award, Father Reid expressed gratitude to Bishop Peter Jugis for his unwavering leadership and support of Catholic education.
Monroe echoed this sentiment, adding, “We have a dedicated team of education leaders throughout our diocese who prioritize the formation of saintly scholars. We couldn’t fulfill our mission without them and our engaged parents, who are the primary educators of their children. I am happy to accept this award on their behalf.”
Monroe also highlighted the ongoing commitment to furthering the mission: “There is more work to be done as we strive to uphold the best of our Catholic intellectual tradition. My Catholic Schools Office team and I stand proud to support our administrators, faculty and staff as we continue to form students who can respond to their vocation to holiness and pursue excellence as fully alive disciples of Christ who transform the world.”
The celebrations, which began with Mass at Holy Innocents Church on Broadway and 37th Street, concluded with a banquet at Arno’s Restaurant on Broadway and 38th Street.
This recognition marks a significant milestone for the diocese and its commitment to providing an exceptional Catholic education.
— Catholic News Herald