Pastor’s vision for Catholic education garners him a national award
By Joe Sapia | Correspondent
As a pastor, Father Daniel Swift has a bring-it-on attitude, wanting to not only run a parish but a parish with a school.
“I’m a firm believer in Catholic education,” said Father Swift, pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel, for the past seven years.
“You don’t want society teaching values to children, not today’s society,” he said. “The Church already has the values in place.”
At St. Benedict, Father Swift has not only a 3,300-family and growing congregation but a kindergarten to eighth grade school of 510 students.
In April, Father Swift, 51, a priest for 24 years, is being recognized by the National Catholic Educational Association, based in Arlington, Va., as one of 12 Distinguished Pastors from around the country. Father Swift represents the association’s 13-diocese region of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The NCEA Distinguished Pastor Award recognizes pastors for their outstanding support of Catholic education. The awards are presented annually and were established by NCEA’s Department of Elementary Schools executive committee in 2007 to acknowledge the exceptional contributions and leadership of pastors.
“I didn’t even know the award existed,” Father Swift said. “Then, I got a call from the NCEA (in December).”
But people within the parish-school community and the diocese have taken note of Father Swift.
“I sent my daughter to Catholic school so she could not only get a solid education but also the best religious teaching possible,” wrote Jeanine M. Pugh, a St. Benedict School parent, in support of the award. “Thanks to Father Dan and his devotion to our community, she has gotten the best of both of these things. I can’t imagine a better pastor for our school.”
“Father Dan brings the teachings of the Church to the students in sermons, lessons and, most importantly, by the example he sets with his actions,” wrote Patricia Sargent, a teacher in St. Benedict School. “Nowhere was this more evident than during the recently devastating (Superstorm) Sandy.”
“Although the roads were littered with power lines and trees, he put out the word that our community needed help and donations poured in,” Sargent continued.
The parish has raised $35,000 to assist victims of Sandy, according to Father Swift.
“I’m very honored and humbled that they would take the time to nominate me,” Father Swift said.
Father Swift is to attend the NCEA reception in Houston to receive his award.
At St. Benedict Church and School, there are 86 ministries – at least 20 or so directly affiliated with the school, such as associations dealing with the arts, sports and special needs students.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to do God’s work,” Father Swift said. “The award is a nice thing, but it’s not an impetus. (Because) you’re always looking to serve God 150 percent.”
Father Swift is a product of a Catholic elementary school education at St. Joan of Arc School in his hometown of Marlton. There, he was taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Another NCEA award-winner from the New Jersey-Pennsylvania region is Sister of Joseph Jude Boyce, principal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park. Sister Jude and Father Swift are friends.
“I think it’s very nice a sister from the order that taught me is going to be there,” Father Swift said.
Father Swift said there is a correlation between the Sisters of St. Joseph and St. Benedict School students. He noted a slogan of the sisters, “ready for any good work.”
“My school students are the same way,” Father Swift said.
“I am very committed to Catholic education,” Father Swift said. “That school gives the parish so much.
“I’m blessed, because St. Benedict is a great parish. If you’re looking for a parish or a place to worship or a relationship with God after the Sunday Mass, check out St. Benedict’s.”