In top photo, Catholic school educators and PTA members attending the Diocesan PTA conference. Mary Stadnyk photos
By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor
Catholic education is about more than academic achievement: It is about forming disciples who hear the Word of God and put it into practice, said Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
During an Oct. 10 Mass marking the 101st annual conference of the Trenton Diocesan Council of Parent Teacher Associations, Bishop O’Connell highlighted a Gospel passage he said could serve as a mission statement for every Catholic parent, teacher, school and member of the Diocesan PTA: “Jesus says: ‘Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and observe it.’”
PHOTO GALLERY: Trenton Diocesan Council of Parent Teacher Associations Conference
“Not simply those who hear it, or those who know it or those who can repeat it, but those who live it,” he continued. “In the end, isn’t that what Catholic education is all about?”
The annual gathering in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, brought together members of Catholic school PTA boards and school principals from Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties for Mass and a breakfast program centered on the theme “New Beginnings.”
In his homily, Bishop O’Connell emphasized that the mission of Catholic education begins with helping children understand their identity as children of God.
“When our children walk through the doors of our Catholic schools each morning, we want them to understand that before they are students, athletes, musicians, actors, classmates or friends, they are children of God,” he said. “They have been clothed with Christ. And that identity should make a difference in the way they live.”
At the breakfast following Mass, Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, noted that generations of volunteers have contributed their time, talents, prayers and energy to ensure that Catholic schools remain places where students grow in faith and character as well as knowledge.
“As the PTA begins the next 100 years, may it be done with the same faith, courage, generosity and sense of purpose that inspired those who gathered a century ago,” he said.
Serving with the heart of Christ
Keynoter Megan E. Faulkner, an author, podcast host and speaker from Ocean Grove, focused her presentation on “The Beautiful Work of Serving,” drawing inspiration from John 13:1-17, the Gospel account of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.
Faulkner encouraged Catholic school leaders to see their service as more than the fulfillment of duties. Rather, she said, their work offers opportunities to reflect the heart of Jesus to the children, families and communities they serve.
Pointing to Jesus as the model of servant leadership, Faulkner reminded attendees that “Jesus did not serve because he lacked authority. He served because he understood the purpose of his authority.”
“The title may identify your responsibility, but the towel reveals your leadership,” she added.
New chapter of service
The conference also marked a transition in diocesan PTA leadership. Jessica Jarmer of St. Rose Parish, Belmar, carried out her final official duties as diocesan PTA president. She installed Cyndi Primerano as the new president, along with the new diocesan executive board and the Monmouth/Ocean and Mercer/Burlington regional boards.
As the PTA enters its second century of service, Jarmer said she hopes it will continue to create opportunities for schools to connect through meaningful shared experiences that remind children and families they belong to something greater than themselves.
“Our individual schools may be separated by towns, counties and miles, but we are part of one Diocese and one Catholic family,” Jarmer said. “And at the center of all of it must always be Jesus Christ.”
Although a work commitment prevented Primerano from attending in person, she shared a recorded video message, saying: “I am thankful for the trust, encouragement and example of the leaders who have come before me. I look forward to listening, learning and serving alongside each of you.”
Primerano also emphasized the collaborative nature of the ministry saying, “I am grateful that this ministry is not carried out by one person but shared by a community united in faith and in love for our students.”
The conference also recognized the student recipients of the 2026 diocesan PTA scholarships. In addition, the Fall Conference Yearbook was dedicated to Bishop O’Connell in recognition of his continued support, encouragement and dedication to Catholic education and the families of the Diocese.
