July 12

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I know that the summer is ordinarily a bit of a slower time in the life of the parish here at St. Charles. School is out, the Carnival is over, and many of us are able to take some time away, including myself. In fact, depending on when you are reading this, I’ll be in Colorado on my trip/retreat. But even though the summer can be slower, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t things going on and news to share. And I’d like to use my letter this week to keep the parish community informed about news with our school.

And so, as a bit of background, the principal of St. Charles this past academic year, Mrs. Tracey Kobrin, was appointed this Spring to be one of the Assistant Superintendents for the Diocese of Trenton. She is taking over for Daniel O’Connell (Bishop O’Connell’s brother) who is stepping away after a number of years in the Office of Catholic Education. Mrs. Kobrin has a special interest and skill for building curriculum and that’s what her new position is focused on, and as such, it’s a natural fit for her. Although her tenure here at St. Charles was relatively short, I have every confidence that she will excel in her new position and I look forward to continue collaborating with her as part of the larger diocesan structure.

However, Mrs. Kobrin’s promotion means that we needed to find a new principal here at St. Charles. After gathering a group of various stakeholders (PTA, school and parish staff, School Board, parents, and parishioners) and reviewing resumes and conducting interviews, I am pleased to announce that we have a wonderfully qualified and committed new principal in Deacon Joseph Rafferty. Deacon Rafferty has been in education for many years at a variety of levels: as a teacher, principal, and even Superintendent. Most recently, he was the principal of St. Rose of Lima in Haddon Heights, a parochial school in Diocese of Camden.

Times of transition always present a bit of a unique challenge to them, regardless of the time or place in which they occur. Fear of the unknown or an unwillingness to let go of past ways are often consciously or unconsciously things that can make such times difficult. And while a leadership change can be a particularly hard, especially in quick succession, in this situation, I have great confidence moving forward.

As our community welcomes Deacon Rafferty and comes to know him better, I believe that it will quickly become apparent that he has a heart for education and a deep faith that sustains his efforts. I’m looking forward to this new chapter for our school and believe that many good things are on the horizon for us. May we continue to honor the tradition and legacy of our school going back to the Sisters of Mercy and continue to press forward with the important work of educating young people in the ways of faith!

Peace and Goodness,

Fr. Dan