Innovation, investment, and transformation of Catholic education in the Diocese of Bridgeport were the focus of the formal launch of Foundations in Education this morning at Sacred Heart University.
More than 75 invited guests and diocesan education leaders turned out for the event in the Forum of the Frank and Marisa Martire Business & Communications Center The new entity formed by the Bishop is a fully independent philanthropic foundation formed by Bishop Caggiano to support Catholic schools in the 21st century.
“This is really the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Catholic education in the diocese and for the community,” said Bishop Caggiano.
During the program, the St. Theresa School Choir performed three songs and student Olivia Lieby impressed with adults with a reflection on her love for the school and its ability to bring students together as a family rooted in Gospel values, acceptance, and love for learning.
The Bishop said “the genius of Catholic education” was not only its ability to produce excellent academic results but create lifetime learners who are formed in the faith and bring a strong sense of values to their work in the community.
The Bishop said that the new foundation is part of an overall effort including the formation of the Education Commission “to create a roadmap for schools going forward” and the overall strategic planning now underway to preserve and enhance Catholic education.
“We need financial resources going forward to allow the gift of Catholic education to be available to every family. The Foundations will be the place where all financial needs can be met,” the Bishop said.
The Bishop added that innovation will be the key to the success of Catholic schools in the future and that the new foundation will support by making grants to teachers and administrators to explore new curriculum and teaching methods.
Steven Cheeseman, Diocesan Superintendent of Schools, said that system change in the school system will require investment “that will empower students to take control of their learning” through new pedagogical methods and contemporary learning environments.
Daniel J. McCarthy, President and CEO of Frontier Communications and a trustee of the new foundation, served as emcee of the launch program and was joined by other foundation trustees.
McCarthy, a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown, said that his four boys all attended Catholic schools from elementary through college. He praised “the incredible impact” Catholic schools have had on the lives of children and the larger community, particularly in neighborhoods hard hit by job loss and poverty.
During the program, the Bishop introduced Holly Doherty-Lemoine of New Canaan the first Executive Director of Foundations in Education, Inc. She said the Foundations will include the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund, and funds for innovation and professional development.
For more information on Foundations in Education, contact Holly Doherty-Lemoine at HLemoine@diobpt.org or call: (203) 416-1405.
