Cardinal Rigali Announces HIs Appointments to Blue Ribbon Commission

Commission to develop plan to strengthen Catholic Education across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, today formally announced his appointees to the Blue Ribbon Commission, a strategic advisory group he established to chart the future course of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Cardinal Rigali said, “Since its founding, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has educated more than fifteen million students, providing academic and faith formation rooted in Gospel values. That is a staggering figure and one that tells you how important the subject of Catholic education is in the Archdiocese.”

Cardinal Rigali, in a news conference at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office Center in Philadelphia that was streamed live via the Archdiocesan website, was joined in making the announcement by Mr. Jack Quindlen, Chairman of the Blue Ribbon Commission. Mr. Quindlen is a retired Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Dupont, as well as a former Chairman of the Archdiocesan Board of Education. He chaired the Building Committees of Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown and the newest high school in the Archdiocese, Pope John Paul II High School, which opened in Royersford, Montgomery County in September 2010. In announcing the members of the Blue Ribbon Commission, Mr. Quindlen said, “Each of these members is a dynamic and experienced leader – and I am very much looking forward to working with them to strengthen the future of Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. “

Mr. Quindlen introduced the other 16 members of the Blue Ribbon Commission, eleven of whom were in attendance. The Commission includes talented individuals from diverse backgrounds – from corporate leaders to educational experts – all of whom are dedicated to Catholic education.

As Cardinal Rigali announced in his October 2010 Pastoral Letter Called to Conversion and Holiness, he has asked the Office of Catholic Education to undertake a comprehensive study of Archdiocesan elementary and secondary schools, as well as the schools of special education and religious education programs. In making the announcement at the news conference, Cardinal Rigali said, “Archdiocesan schools face challenges -- changing demographics, lower enrollments in some schools and the continued struggle to keep Catholic education affordable for the many families who wish to make this investment for their children’s futures. We are not alone in this struggle – in fact; it is very much a national trend. Across the country, many dioceses are finding themselves at a crossroads, carefully seeking what path is best for the future of Catholic education.”

Also participating in the news conference were Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic education on behalf of Cardinal Rigali; Dr. Richard McCarron, Secretary for Catholic Education, and Ms. Mary Rochford, Superintendent of Schools.