As the Church celebrates the year of the priesthood, it is worth reflecting on the importance of religious vocations, and the role that education plays in fostering them.  As a Catholic high school, Cardinal Newman takes quite seriously its role in the formation of the spiritual life of its students. Vocations to the priesthood and religious life are fostered by the very mission of the school, namely, "to educate the whole person -- mind, body, and spirit -- according to the Gospel values of Jesus Christ." Several Newman graduates serve the church in priesthood and consecrated life.

 

Kevin O'Brien (pictured at right), Cardinal Newman High School class of 1984, was ordained a priest for the New York Province of the Jesuits in 2007. The Cardinal Newman family fondly remembers Fr. Kevin's time as a member of our teaching staff (1993 - 1996).  While on staff, he served as a teacher, soccer coach, and campus minister. Fr. Kevin left Cardinal Newman in 1996 to begin his Jesuit formation studies.  Further information about the Jesuit order may be found here.

 Rev. James O'Neal (CN '64), Sr. Marie Skebe (CN '66), Sr. Patricia Barnett (CN '69), Rev. Alfredo Hernandez (CN '80), Rev. Thomas Barrett (CN '83), Rev. Kevin Nelson (CN '91), and Rev. Joseph Papes (CN '91) are among Newman graduates who minister in the Catholic Church.   We offer our prayers for these ministers as they embrace their vocation in the priesthood and religious life.

Two members of the Cardinal Newman High School family are currently in formation at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.  Michael Cairnes (CNHS '04) and Andrew Fiormonti (CNHS '06) are both involved in studies at the seminary.  The prayers of the entire Newman family are with Michael and Andrew as they discern their vocations.

For information on priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of Palm Beach, click here.