Catholic School Symposium

          The Department of Education of the Diocese of Ogdensburg sponsored a symposium on November 30th centered on the Bishops’ document “Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium”.
          The symposium addressed the current situation of our diocesan Catholic schools; strategies for political advocacy; eliciting the support of business/education and civic leadership; and the responsibility of the entire diocesan community for our Catholic schools.
          Bishop Cunningham opened the symposium.  Presenters included, Msgr. Robert Aucoin, Vicar of Education, Mr. Jim Cultrara, Director of Education for the New York State Catholic Conference, Dr. Paul Reiss, past President of Saint Michael’s College and Mary Mascott former Senior Vice President and General Council for Merck Pharmaceutical Company.  The State Senators, Assemblymen and women who represent districts in which our schools are located as well as business and civic leaders throughout the diocese were in attendance.  Each Catholic school in the diocese brought teams of 5 people to engage in the conversations.