Maddock, Jay

FALL RIVER — Father Jay Maddock, VF, who is pastor of Holy Name Parish, Fall River, and director of the parish school, will receive the 2015 Distinguished Pastor Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) for his dedication and commitment to excellence.

Father Maddock will be recognized during the annual NCEA Convention & Expo that will take place April 7-9 in Orlando, Fla.

“This is the first full-time assignment I’ve had which has a parish school,” said Father Maddock, who has served at Holy Name since July 2010. “There are many challenges these days in running a parish school but the great benefit they bring to the faith of young people and their families makes it all worthwhile.

“I accept this award on behalf of the countless number of priests, principals, faculties, staffs, parents, grandparents, and benefactors here in the Diocese of Fall River, who make so many sacrifices to see the mission of parish schools succeed.”

Pastors, principals and teachers who have demonstrated a strong Catholic educational philosophy as well as exceptional ability, dedication and results, will be honored during the annual awards ceremony.

“Catholic elementary schools have a rich tradition of dedicated pastors who inspire their communities with their leadership,” said Jim King, interim director of the Elementary Schools Department of the NCEA. “These awardees are a blessing to their communities. Catholic education reaches deserving families because of these pastors’ guidance and support.”

Recipients for the NCEA Distinguished Pastor Award were selected from a slate of nominees submitted by teachers, principals, parents and school board members.

Fall River Diocesan Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael S. Griffin said that Diocesan Catholic Schools Office is very pleased that Father Maddock has been selected for this honor by the NCEA.

“Father Maddock is a highly dedicated and supportive pastor for Holy Name School,” he explained. “He regularly gives of his time to be present at the school, to celebrate Mass with the students and faculty, to recognize student achievements, and to provide spiritual support and guidance to the school community.

In addition, Dr. Griffin noted, Father Maddock is active with the school’s Advisory Board and administration, focusing on high academic standards, quality facilities and programs, and a strong Catholic identity in the school.

“Father Maddock is representative of the many pastors and priests of the Diocese of Fall River who recognize the value of Catholic schools and give of their time and energy to help ensure their future for the benefit of our Church,” he said.

The NCEA annual convention, held this year in collaboration with the Diocese of Orlando, is the largest private education association gathering in the country and draws participants from all facets of Catholic education. The event features professional development sessions, liturgies and an exhibition of educational products and services.

Founded in 1904, NCEA is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA’s members include elementary schools, high schools, parish religious education programs and seminaries.

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