SEATTLE – The Archdiocese of Seattle has announced 10 members of a Special Taskforce for Catholic Schools, which will review the ministerial covenant that is signed by those working in the archdiocese’s Catholic schools and develop a set of recommendations for Archbishop Paul D. Etienne.

“The ministerial covenant ensures our employees reflect our Catholic faith, which is core to the identity of our Catholic schools,” said Archbishop Etienne in a release August 13. “I’m so grateful these volunteers are willing to journey with us researching, reviewing, discussing and praying about how we can ensure employees represent the joy of the Catholic faith.”

After reviewing dozens of nominations from pastors, principals and parishioners, the archbishop appointed the following members:

  • Sandy Barton Smith – assistant superintendent for Catholic schools, St. Philomena, Des Moines
  • Caroline Cacabelos – teacher, Kennedy Catholic High School, Burien
  • Kristin Dixon – superintendent for Catholic schools, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Seattle
  • Annie Dolan – parent, St. Joseph, Issaquah
  • Frank Feeman – grandparent, St. John the Evangelist, Seattle
  • Nicholas Ford – principal, Our Lady of Fatima, Seattle
  • Father Vincent Gilmore – pastor, Holy Rosary, Edmonds
  • Erin Luby – principal, Seattle Preparatory School
  • Father Kurt Nagel – pastor, Holy Family, Kirkland
  • Lauren White – teacher, Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle

Father Ronald Nuzzi, a professor emeritus at the University of Notre Dame known for his published resources for Catholic educators and his leadership programs for Catholic school principals, was announced as the chair of the taskforce in June.

“I’m so grateful for the diversity and richness of experience reflected in this group,” Father Nuzzi said.

The taskforce is scheduled to meet 12 times between now and June 2021, beginning with a commissioning Mass with Archbishop Etienne later this month.