By Communications Department - Archdiocese of Miami
Ft. Lauderdale� Rev. Msgr. Kenneth Schwanger, pastor at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Ft. Lauderdale has been selected as one of thirteen pastors to receive the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Distinguished Pastor Award on April 14 during the NCEA convention in Anaheim, California.
"It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Msgr. Schwanger as the 2009 NCEA Distinguished Pastor award winner. Monsignor is a clear thinker and a highly motivated spiritual leader who has united the parish with his humility and compassion," said Sister Vivian Gomez, R.F is principal of St. Jerome Catholic School and winner of the 2003 NCEA Distinguished Principal Award.
"I am humbled by this honor; we at St. Jerome have the Principal of the Year, Home & School Association of the Year and two Teacher of the Year Awards. They must have all been thinking, it's about time their Pastor catches up," said Rev. Msgr. Kenneth Schwanger.
"The Archdiocese of Miami, Department of Schools is blessed with outstanding pastors of parishes with parochial schools. Monsignor Schwanger is a wonderful example of service and commitment to Catholic schools. The people of St. Jerome school and parish are fortunate to have Monsignor's positive and affirming presence as spiritual leader. The Department of Schools offers Monsignor Schwanger their most sincere congratulations on having been chosen as a recipient of this award," said Kristen Hughes, archdiocesan superintendent of elementary schools.
This award is presented by the NCEA Department of Elementary Schools to selected pastors in the United States who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to Catholic Schools.
St. Jerome Catholic School was the 2005 NCEA Distinguished Home and School Association award winner and the NCEA Distinguished Teacher Award was presented to Wendy Lockard the same year. For more information regarding the National Catholic Educational Association log on www.NCEA.org
