By Rose O’Connor | Correspondent

Parent Teacher Associations serving the Catholic schools in the Diocese “often pick up the slack, do the heavy lifting and come to the rescue,” Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia, told those assembled Sept. 27 for the Mass kicking off the 89th annual PTA Conference.

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For the administrators, teachers and parents who gathered in St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake, the day provided affirmation, inspiration and an opportunity for networking, beginning with the warm welcome from the St. Catharine School choir and ending with the motivational talk given by Divine Word Father Martin Padovani.

Msgr. Gervasio, principal celebrant of the Mass, told the PTA representatives in his homily, “You are a vital part of the parish and school community. Schools depend on the labors of the PTA.”

He added, “You need one another, you are here for one another,” and he challenged the attendees to “share ideas, encourage and pray for one another as you rediscover and reaffirm the mission of Catholic schools as they continue to do the work of God.”

Partners in Education

It has become customary for the Diocesan PTA to honor an individual for their service to the mission of the PTA. This year, Terry Zimecki was recognized for her participation in the St. Charles Borromeo School, Cinnaminson. She has also served as the Burlington County Regent and is currently the chairperson of the historical committee, which continues to work diligently archiving almost a century of photos and artifacts as the Trenton Diocesan Council of Parent-Teacher Associations looks forward to the celebration of their 90th anniversary next year.

Following the Mass, the PTA representatives assembled in the Spring Lake Manor for brunch and to further enrich their faith.

JoAnn Tier, moderator of the diocesan Office of Catholic Education and Superintendent of Catholic Schools, welcomed guests and recalled in a special way, the late Msgr. Thomas Luebking, longtime pastor of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish and also a previous superintendent of Catholic schools and moderator of the Diocesan Parent Teacher Association.

Shot in the Arm

Divine Word Father Martin Padovani, was the guest speaker who reflected on the theme of the day, “Hope is the Road, Faith is the Victory.”

Father Padovani is a recognized and published psychotherapist specializing in individual, marriage and family counseling. In addition to his work in the field of psychotherapy, Father Padovani also serves the people of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish as a weekend assistant.

Father Padovani acknowledged the present challenges to Catholic education. “It is through transition we are transformed,” he recognized. “Hope is that possibility that things can be different.”

He urged administrators and parents to “think outside the box,” in regard to fundraising and ensuring Catholic schools remain financially viable.

When speaking of the role and responsibility of “building up the kingdom of God,” he quoted second century St. Iraneus. “The glory of God is man fully alive,” and added, “where else or who else can do this better than in the Catholic school system?”

“We are a people of hope,” Father Padovani concluded. “We need the faith and hope that the Lord has given us.”

The opportunity to come together for the annual PTA regional conferences is a time that those who serve Catholic schools as members of the PTA look forward to each year.

“Listening to the distinguished speakers and quietly appreciating the cumulative years of service in the room renewed our spirits as parents and volunteers to the commitment of the faith-based education we have chosen for our children,” St. Ann School, Lawrenceville, PTA co-presidents Nooshy Irani and Susan Dorio shared.

Meg Troiano, PTA president of St. Benedict School, Holmdel, also acknowledged the importance of the PTA in the necessity of supporting the mission and the vision of the school community.

“The importance of the PTA is to orchestrate the time and talents of our community and put the FUN in FUNdraising!  The executive board at St. Benedict School relies heavily on our loyal volunteers and local businesses to pull together a variety of events to benefit the students and community of SBS.”

Father Vincent Euk, pastor of St. Veronica Parish, Howell, showed his support for his beloved parish school by wearing an “I love St. Veronica School” t-shirt. He also took the opportunity to express his gratitude for the school PTA.

“The PTA is energetic in helping support the school,” he responded. “They have a great enthusiasm.”