Welcoming new principals to the Diocese of Tucson

By Sheri Dahl, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Tucson

“…The school principal functions as the school’s spiritual and academic leader fostering Catholic Identity in accordance with the school’s mission statement and philosophy; and is also responsible for supporting the Diocese of Tucson in its mission to evangelize and catechize youth in a Catholic School environment. The principal shall be a minister of the Gospel and Catholic Teaching both academically and behaviorally while at work and in his/her personal life, “…Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received.” (Eph. 4:1)

The quote above is taken directly from the Catholic School Principal job description provided to principals hired and renewed each school year. What is packed within those words are a multitude of duties and responsibilities that each of our Catholic school principals are required to fulfill. Enveloped within their vocation to be both an instructional and spiritual leader to the adults and children within their school community, is the most sacred call to provide a joyful, safe place where children can learn and grow into faithful, productive citizens–each according to God’s unique plan.

That is no small feat! Yet, again, this year we were pleased to welcome the following leaders at our new principal orientation who accepted such a call within the Diocese of Tucson:

• Michelle Garcia, Saints Peter & Paul, Tucson 
• Carmen Ramos, Sacred Heart, Nogales 
• Suzanne Ortega, St. Rose of Lima, Safford 
• Christopher Loya, St. Augustine High School, Tucson
• Pamela Tinley, Our Mother of Sorrows, Tucson

Also pictured is Mr. Jason Baynes, who will be starting his second year as principal of St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Tucson. We so appreciate when a second-year principal can join our new principal orientation to give the “newbies” a perspective after having been a new principal in our diocese the year prior.

In addition, we had a unique group of new administrators this year, in that two of them were actually interim principals last year at their respective sites, so this school year will be their first full year as principals–Ms. Pamela Tinley and Ms. Carmen Ramos.

Please join me in thanksgiving for these new principals as well as prayers for all of our Catholic school leaders that God will continue to bless them and their work all for the benefit of the students and families served in our 24 Catholic schools!

Heavenly Father,

We ask your blessing on our Catholic school leaders as they begin this school year. Bless them with guidance, strength and wisdom to lead with integrity and unwavering faith. Bless their decisions and actions, so they may effectively serve their school communities upholding the unique mission of their school, while keeping what is best for students at the forefront of every decision made. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns forever. 

Amen.