The three finalists for the
National Association of Black Catholic Administrators Presidential
Evangelization Award were: Springville, Mass., workshop on the new Mass rites;
Richmond, Va., an advent service project; and Birmingham, Al., Beacons of Hope.
These were great projects; however there could be only one winner and that was
the Diocese of Birmingham for its Beacons of Hope.
Inner city Catholic schools from Los Angles to
Providence are closing at an alarming rate. Under the guidance of Bishop Robert
J. Baker, a meeting was called throughout the diocese to find a solution to the
problem of inner city Catholic schools. From that meeting a team was assembled
to keep these schools opened. Pastors, principals, and concerned parishioners
helped guide efforts. With God's help and hard work a plan was developed --
Beacons of Hope.
I would like to thank the diocesan team of Frank
Savage, director of Catholic Education and Lifelong Formation; James Warren,
director of human resources, Robert (Bob) Sellers, chief financial officer, Fran
Lawlor, superintendent of schools, and Rodney Sherard, Beacons of Hope
administrator, for their tireless efforts; Al Manzella for supplying the human
element, and our Bishop Robert Baker for his wisdom.
It took a group effort to make this plan a reality.
And finally I want to thank all the people of the Diocese of Birmingham who
opened their hearts to the thought of helping others.
