Monsignor Hendricks Wins NCEA Distinguished Pastor Award

From the St. Brigid of Kildare Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 5, January 2012

As Principal Kathleen O’Reilly announced in her column on page 1, Monsignor Joseph Hendricks has been honored by the National Catholic Education Association as a 2012 NCEA Distinguished Pastor of the Year. This annual award, established in 2007, is presented by the NCEA Department of Elementary Schools to honor pastors who have given outstanding support to Catholic elementary education. The nominated pastor must possess a clear philosophy of Catholic education, provide spiritual guidance to the school community, participate in school activities, work with the school board and/or parent association, support the school administration, and engage the community in providing financial support of the school.

“I firmly believe that Catholic schools are the single best way for the church to assure the vitality of the faith,” Monsignor Hendricks has said.

Following are excerpts from the nomination documents.

“As an elementary child, I was fortunate to attend Saint Brigid School. Now as an adult, I am proud to be a member of Monsignor Hendricks’ faculty. From my unique perspective, and based on years of personal experience, I know that Monsignor Hendricks deserves to be recognized as “Pastor of the Year.” –teacher Karen Partridge

“Monsignor Hendricks is so passionate about what needs to happen to sustain the school and parish and is able to inspire all of those who work with him to help make this a success.” –parent Peigi Fisher-Hanson

“Monsignor Hendricks has made sure that all of God’s children have an opportunity to get a faith-based and great education at Saint Brigid of Kildare School no matter the income of educational ability. We believe that God has truly blessed our community by sharing him with us at St. Brigid.” –parents Diane and Paul Schmeling

“Faith-filled, mentor, wise, visionary, intellectual, spiritual, trustworthy, dedicated and inspirational are just a few words that describe Monsignor Hendricks. I have that the remarkable opportunity to work closely with Monsignor Hendricks and to benefit from his spirituality, his compassion and his dedication to the Catholic faith development of young and old parishioners alike.” –Principal Kathleen O’Reilly

Congratulations Monsignor Hendricks!