The Office of Catholic Education and Faith in the Future are proud to announce that Sister Maureen Lawrence McDermott, IHM, who has served as Principal of Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown for the last 14 years, has been named Superintendent of Secondary Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia effective October 1, 2015.

Sister Maureen was chosen to lead the Archdiocese’s 17 secondary schools through an extensive search process led by Educational Strategies Inc., a Baltimore full service educational consulting firm specializing in Catholic school education. Mr. Nick Regina, Deputy Secretary for Enrollment, has been serving as the interim Superintendent of Secondary Schools for the Office of Catholic Education, since July 2015 and will continue in this dual role through September.

Mr. Christopher Mominey, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for Catholic Education said, “Although, our search for a new Superintendent of Secondary Education was broadened far beyond our Archdiocesan borders, it quickly became clear that our profile was matched right here in our own school system with a talented and proven leader who has served our schools well over the past four decades. Since my own arrival here in Philadelphia I have come to know Sister Maureen first and foremost as a consecrated religious sister committed to the charism of her congregation and to its mission statement which, in part, reads: we radiate joyful service and Gospel values. Sister Maureen has also proven herself to be an academic leader, innovative instructor, and a passionate advocate for young people in her role as principal of Bishop Shanahan High School. ”

As a member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), Sister Maureen, brings to her role nearly 33 years of experience in Catholic education.  Throughout her career she has served at various Archdiocesan and private Catholic schools. Her first teaching position was at Saint Martin of Tours Schools in Philadelphia, where she taught seventh grade from 1982-1984. For the next 14 years she held teaching positions at several Catholic elementary and high schools including, at the former Saint Madeline-Saint Rose School in Ridley Park (Delaware County), Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote (Montgomery County), and Villa Maria Academy in Malvern (Chester County). Prior to being named principal of Bishop Shanahan in 2001, Sister Maureen served as an Administrative Intern and Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs at the school.

Sister Lorraine McGrew, IHM, General Superior said, “Our community is pleased to have one of our sisters serve the Archdiocese in the role of Superintendent of Secondary Schools at this important time for Catholic Education. Sister Maureen truly has a passion for education. Her enthusiasm for what educators can do to promote the faith and personal development of young people is well known. She will bring to this job a deep expertise in curriculum, joined with many background experiences in leadership which have been creative and collaborative. The prayers of our sisters are with Sister Maureen and with all those who have dedicated themselves to this important ministry of the Church.”

Sister Maureen is a proud 1974 graduate of Archbishop Prendergast High School for Girls (Delaware County). She holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Catholic Educational Leadership from the Fordham University Graduate School of Education, as well as, a Master of Art Degree in English from West Chester University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education Certificate in English from Immaculata University. Additionally, she has been a member of the Immaculata University’s Board of Trustees since 2013. In April 2015, Sister Maureen, was a presenter at the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) Convention in Orlando, FL where she presented on the topic of “Global Awareness: Becoming a High School with a Global View & a Noble Heart.”

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Editor’s Note:For more information about the schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia please visit www.catholicschools-phl.org/.  For information about Faith in the Future, please visit www.faithinthefuture.com.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747