We have an outstanding Catholic school at Saint Gerard’s with a history of serving our school children and their families since the mid 1960’s. It seems like every day I meet someone who tells me that they graduated from our school and shares with me the fond memories of the time they had there. Right now, our school stands as the only parish Catholic School in the City of Paterson. We are committed to maintaining that presence into the years ahead. Entrusted, in large part, with this task is our leadership team at the school. Let me share with you who we are.

First and foremost, we have Sister Jo-Ann Pompa, a Fillipini sister who has tirelessly served our school - and parish – for over
25 years! I consider my hiring of Sr. Jo-Annas principal during my first round as pastor of St. Gerard’s as on of the greatest gifts I gave this parish. Sister is the embodiment of the phrase that good things come in small packages - I would even say great things! Sister’s love of our school children and their families and her commitment to seeing that our children are formed in the faith and given a well-rounded education that can serve them into the future is evident in all that she does. She is literally at school morning, noon and night, tending to the tasks of administration and getting things ready for whatever is coming up next in the school year. This is one of the blessings of having a religious sister as principal, a rarity in today’s Catholic education scene. For Sister Jo-Ann this ministry is her life, and she lives it to the fullest.

This past year we were blessed to have Dr. Charles McKay join our leadership team as Director of Curriculum and Academic Dean. Dr. McKay comes to us from a rich background in public education. Prior to being Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Vernon Township, he served that town as principal of their Elementary and Middle Schools. He is certified in Language Arts and proficient in grant writing. He is a published author and lecturer. Most importantly, he loves our school and our children. He is out on the playground with the kids every day and present to them at lunch in the cafeteria. He is always ready and willing to step in and sub where necessary and do whatever else is needed in the moment. It also turns out that he did his graduate studies at Drew University in Madison right around the corner from Saint Vincent Martyr Church and School. We also both graduated from Wayne Valley High School in Wayne.

Most recently coming on board to our leadership team is Mr. Fred Di Tecco. Turns out that Fred had a cousin who was a Fillipini Sister – talk about a match made in heaven. Fred brings with him a wealth of knowledge and practice in the technological world. He has done great things with our social media presence, in particular our Facebook and Instagram accounts. He is creative and resourceful, working hard to help market our school. His previous work experience includes being a Marketing and Communication Manager, Multi-Media Advertising Specialist and an Account Executive with The Record & Herald News newspapers. He believes that we have an amazing school and cannot wait to tell everyone about it!

I am the fourth and final member of the leadership team. As you know, I am a strong believer in Catholic Education and the force for good that it provides for the Church and the world. Of my almost 43 years of priesthood, 39 of them have been in parishes with schools. I am excited about working together with Sr. Jo-Ann, Chuck and Fred, with the faculty and staff, with the parents of our school community, with our benefactors and with all of you in continuing the excellent tradition of formation and education that has marked Saint Gerard Majella School for all these years.

Spread the good news my friends, that Catholic education is alive and well and thriving in Paterson! Learn more today by calling 973-595-5640 and schedule your personal tour of our school.