The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Faith in the Future, an independent foundation that oversees the Office of Catholic Education, today announced the appointment of Christopher Mominey as Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Mr. Mominey is a highly-respected Catholic school administrator and passionate advocate of the Church, whose appointment marks an important milestone for Catholic schools in the Archdiocese and the implementation of the Foundation's strategic vision to strengthen and grow Catholic schools across the region.

For the past 17 years, Mr. Mominey has served the Diocese of Syracuse in several roles. He began his career as Director of Campus Ministry at Christian Brothers Academy before becoming principal at Rome Catholic School. He then went on to be the Assistant Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and finally Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Syracuse. Mr. Mominey was responsible for leading a team of education professionals in the central office and across seven counties of upstate New York with oversight of technology integration, curriculum implementation, professional development, school finances, and personnel.

"It is a privilege to be appointed to serve the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in this new role as Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for Catholic Education," said Mominey. "Growth, leadership, and innovation are the key requirements of this assignment. Although the challenges here are real my career has prepared me well to make even stronger the great schools of this Archdiocese. Our guiding academic, strategic and operational principle in the years to come will always be simple: Do what is best for our students."

Mr. Mominey, the author of two books, is a member of the National Catholic Education Association, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the Chief Administrators of Catholic Education. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in theology from Saint Bonaventure University and a Master's Degree in religious studies from John Carroll University as well as school district and school administrator certifications.

Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, who is responsible for Catholic Education across the entire Archdiocese, says, "Mr. Mominey has demonstrated his commitment to instructional innovation, academic excellence and Catholic values that are central to our schools-and the strongest possible future for Catholic education. We believe we have selected a candidate who best exemplifies the skill-set needed to lead the students of the Archdiocese in the 21st century."

Mr. Mominey's full-time appointment is effective July 1, and he will be relocating to Philadelphia from upstate New York. He and his wife, Stephanie, have two sons, Victor (9) and Michael (7) and two daughters, Hannah (11) and Sarah (7). During the month of June he and senior leadership from Faith in the Future will begin intensive meetings with the Office of Catholic Education as well as school administrators, teachers, pastors, and other key stakeholders.

"I believe with all of my heart that Catholic schools, parish catechetical programs, youth ministry, and Newman ministries, remain the most effective means of passing on the teachings and traditions of the Church," said Mominey. "For Catholics and non-Catholics alike our Catholic schools in particular provide the very richest setting for children to get a quality education. With this belief as my foundation, I am confident that all together, with a strong Office for Catholic Education, we will lead the Archdiocese of Philadelphia into a new and exciting era in the years to come."

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Editor's Note: For more information about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit www.catholicschools-phl.org.

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