Diocesan PTA Council celebrates century of dedicated service
October 11, 2025 at 5:20 p.m.
Bishop O'Connell celebrates a Mass of Thanksgiving marking the 100th anniversary of the Trenton Diocesan Council of Parent Teacher Associations. He is joined at the altar by concelebrating priests from left, Msgr. Sam Sirianni, rector of St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral; Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor of St. Rose Parish, Belmar; Father Scott Shaffer, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, and Msgr. Joseph Rosie, episcopal vicar for Monmouth County and pastor of St. James Parish, Red Bank. Mary Stadnyk photos Reflecting on the 100-year history of the Trenton Diocesan Council of Parent Teacher Associations, Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt commended the council for its steadfast work and how it "has stood at the heart of the Catholic schools in the Diocese, helping children thrive, lifting up teachers and ensuring that Catholic education in the Diocese remains strong and vibrant."
"Because of your efforts over the last 100 years, generations of children have had the gift of a Catholic education that forms both the mind and the heart, grounding them in faith, hope and love," said Dr. Schmidt, diocesan superintendent of schools. "I offer my heartfelt thanks. Thank you for believing in Catholic education. Thank you for supporting our teachers and administrators. Thank you for showing our children what it means to be part of a faith-filled family that cares for one another."
From left, Dan O'Connell, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction in the Diocesan Department of Catholic Schools, Jessica Jarmer, current diocesan PTA president, and Elia Landino, who served as PTA president for the 2021-2024 term, pose for a photo with Bishop O'Connell during the breakfast meeting. The council's century milestone was commemorated in a prayerful and festive manner Oct. 11 when Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., and diocesan school officials, current and former PTA council members as well as representatives from the Diocese's Catholic schools came together Oct. 11 in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, for a Mass of Thanksgiving and celebratory breakfast meeting.
"One hundred years of partnership of prayer, of perseverance. One hundred years of parents and teachers walking hand in hand to nurture not only minds, but hearts and souls," Bishop O'Connell said in his homily. "This is not merely an anniversary -- it is a testament to faith in action."
More to come on this story.
Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, left, poses for a photo with the student winners of the essay contest sponsored by the Diocesan Council of Parent Teacher Associations.
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Bishop O'Connell celebrates a Mass of Thanksgiving marking the 100th anniversary of the Trenton Diocesan Council of Parent Teacher Associations. He is joined at the altar by concelebrating priests from left, Msgr. Sam Sirianni, rector of St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral; Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor of St. Rose Parish, Belmar; Father Scott Shaffer, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, and Msgr. Joseph Rosie, episcopal vicar for Monmouth County and pastor of St. James Parish, Red Bank. Mary Stadnyk photos Reflecting on the 100-year history of the Trenton Diocesan Council of Parent Teacher Associations, Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt commended the council for its steadfast work and how it "has stood at the heart of the Catholic schools in the Diocese, helping children thrive, lifting up teachers and ensuring that Catholic education in the Diocese remains strong and vibrant."
"Because of your efforts over the last 100 years, generations of children have had the gift of a Catholic education that forms both the mind and the heart, grounding them in faith, hope and love," said Dr. Schmidt, diocesan superintendent of schools. "I offer my heartfelt thanks. Thank you for believing in Catholic education. Thank you for supporting our teachers and administrators. Thank you for showing our children what it means to be part of a faith-filled family that cares for one another."
From left, Dan O'Connell, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction in the Diocesan Department of Catholic Schools, Jessica Jarmer, current diocesan PTA president, and Elia Landino, who served as PTA president for the 2021-2024 term, pose for a photo with Bishop O'Connell during the breakfast meeting. The council's century milestone was commemorated in a prayerful and festive manner Oct. 11 when Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., and diocesan school officials, current and former PTA council members as well as representatives from the Diocese's Catholic schools came together Oct. 11 in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, for a Mass of Thanksgiving and celebratory breakfast meeting.
"One hundred years of partnership of prayer, of perseverance. One hundred years of parents and teachers walking hand in hand to nurture not only minds, but hearts and souls," Bishop O'Connell said in his homily. "This is not merely an anniversary -- it is a testament to faith in action."
More to come on this story.
Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, left, poses for a photo with the student winners of the essay contest sponsored by the Diocesan Council of Parent Teacher Associations.