Editor:
Having read the 44-page supplement to the Star Herald commemorating the 75th anniversary of the diocese, I must say I was appalled at the omission of any mention of Catholic education.
I read about the residents of the diocese who were born in 1937. I read about the CYO organization which no longer exists. I read the lists of the parishes, and the pastoral priorities, including ethnic and racial diversity. But nowhere was there a mention of our Catholic elementary and secondary schools; not even a listing.
I did note, however, that the schools were asked to take out a paid ad in the supplement. I cannot believe there was not a word about the scores of diocesan priests, religious sisters and lay people who have literally spent decades educating our youth.
Given that the formation of youth was one of the six priorities of the diocese, I am startled that the most effective means of formation of the next generation of Catholics was not even mentioned.
In the not too distant past, the school system of the Camden Diocese enjoyed a well earned reputation in the State of New Jersey; and well beyond. The well known fact that many priestly and religious vocations were encouraged and nurtured was not even mentioned, much less highlighted. (In just one secondary school recently, there has been one vocation every two years.
Once again; I find this glaring omission absolutely stunning if not tragic.
Msgr. Russell Rock
Cherry Hill
Msgr. Rock is a former principal of Paul VI High School, Haddon Township