Editor’s Note: Bishop Joseph Williams visited Saint Margaret Regional School, Woodbury Heights, on May 22, the day after being announced as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Camden. The Catholic Star Herald talked to Sister Michele DeGregorio, FMIJ, school principal, about that experience and the importance of Catholic education in the Diocese of Camden.
Catholic Star Herald: How important was it that Bishop Williams visited a Catholic school?
Sister Michele DeGregorio: I think it speaks volumes about his appreciation of Catholic schools. It was a welcomed grace to know that our next bishop would be as supportive of this important mission of the Church of Camden as Bishop Sullivan has been.
CSH: What were some of your initial impressions of Bishop Williams?
Sister Michele: Bishop Williams was very friendly and took his time to speak with our Student Council officers who presented him, and Bishop Sullivan, with spiritual bouquets. He was very excited to go into a few of the classes: kindergarten, fourth grade and sixth grade. The kindergarten students sang for him, and he freely joined in! In the sixth grade, they had a brief discussion about the Philadelphia Phillies, and Bishop Williams showed them his newly acquired Phillies jersey!
CSH: What was your favorite part of his visit?
Sister Michele: Sitting around the table in the faculty room with our Student Council officers, Bishop Sullivan and others, Bishop Williams spoke with our students in a very natural and down-to-earth manner, sharing some of the things that are typical in Minnesota and how things are very different in South Jersey.
CSH: How were the students in interacting with Bishop Williams?
Sister Michele: They were very excited to meet the new bishop and found him to be very humble and joyful. The boys and girls enjoyed his questions about their experiences of Catholic school and where they were looking to go to high school.
CSH: What you would want Bishop Williams to know about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Camden?
Sister Michele: How dedicated the administrators and faculties are to the mission of Catholic education. How important and needed it is in today’s world to be a countercultural presence; how important it is to bring peace and joy of the Gospel to young people and their families.
Michael Bress is communications and marketing manager for the Office of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Camden.
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