The new steps to be taken in the schools of the Archdiocese of Atlanta are in keeping with the great progress made during the past five years.

The Right Reverend Monsignor Patrick J. O’Connor has been appointed secretary to the archbishop for education. A man of wide educational activities, especially gained while serving on the faculty of Catholic University of America, (1936-1956), he will give the new program both depth and breadth.

His assistant will be Reverend Daniel J. O’Connor, who has taught in St. Joseph’s High School since September, 1961.

Our three high schools will continue to offer the finest Catholic schooling possible for our growing population. We are proud of Saint Pius X, and the Reverend James L. Harrison who has led the school as principal through its pioneer years. The present evaluation being made by a national educational agency is simply another step toward providing a constantly improving program. The faculty consists of a strong staff of sisters from four outstanding teaching communities -- Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart and Sisters of Mercy of the Union, and top rate lay teachers. It has been recently augmented by the addition of two teaching priests, Reverend John J. Cotter and Reverend Alan M. Dillman.

Meanwhile, Saint Joseph’s High School has more than justified the hopes of its founders. Father Daniel J. O’Connor has been appointed acting principal, in addition to his duties in the archdiocesan schools’ office. The faculty consisting of seven sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet and lay teachers, anticipates its first graduation in June, 1964. In addition to Reverend Edward A. O’Connor, Reverend Daniel J. McCormick has been assigned to teaching duties at St. Joseph’s.

Drexel High School, under the excellent leadership of Reverend Richard Leary, C.P., has grown steadily, and is expecting its first graduation in 1965. A combined staff of two splendid teaching communities includes the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet (Baden, Pennsylvania Province) and Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

Included in the department of education, besides the three high schools, are 18 elementary schools. The entire program will be under the direction of Monsignor O’Connor, with the special help of Father Daniel J. O’Connor. The recent assignment of Sister Mary Severine, C.S.J., as supervisor has strengthened the classroom work.

We enter a new era. Educationally, we must offer our Catholic young people the very best we can. With the leadership of Monsignor O’Connor, the new secretary for education, and a devoted staff of priests, sisters, and laity, we are now prepared for a Catholic school system able to hold its own. While serving the modern needs of society, it will still keep foremost the ultimate need, - the Kingdom of God, the place destined by God for every child both here and in eternity.

Paul J. Hallinan

Archbishop of Atlanta