The Notre Dame Sponsorship Transition

New Ownership Forum Notes

The Jan. 9 forum opened with a prayer by Fr. Michael DeLaney, CSC

Joe Gurdak thanked Fr. Mike and said we, as a community, owe a lot to him for his efforts in helping to keep Notre Dame High School alive.

Ms. Mary Iannucilli, Assistant Superintendent for High School/Office of Catholic Schools, was introduced as well as members of the Association of Christian Faithful (ACF) who make up the Governance Board and the Executive Board of Notre Dame High School. Members of the “ACF” are: Joe Gurdak (Chairman), Paula Waters (Vice-Chairperson), Christopher Nowotarski (Secretary), Bob Flood, Pat Callero, Anthony Mandolini, Gene Faut, Pete Newell, Pat Tennant and Chuck McNulty.

Joe Gurdak explained the process which had taken place since the Congregation of Holy Cross, Indiana Province announced their decision to withdraw their sponsorship of Notre Dame High School. Also, those in attendance at this forum were given a handout explaining events which took place since the announcement.

As of January 1, 2007, the new Executive Board took over the operations of Notre Dame High School. It is to be noted, Fr. Mike DeLaney, CSC will remain in the position of President of the high school until which time a new president is hired. The job has been posted on the website, and Pete Newell will be the chairperson of the search committee.

At this time, the Chief Operating Officer of the high school is Chuck McNulty.

Paula Waters reported the entire process happened in a short amount of time. The Archdiocese worked very hard in order for all to come together with the blessings of Cardinal George. They believe the school needs to be here and are willing to be involved and work as hard as possible to keep the school going.

The Cardinal wishes for the tradition of Holy Cross to continue. Notre Dame will be an independent Catholic high school run by the Archdiocese. The Cardinal has appointed the members of the Association of Christian Faithful to run the high school. The name of the high school will continue to be Notre Dame High School, A College Preparatory School for Young Men.

At this time, people present at the forum were invited to ask questions or make comments.

The first question/comment was from a current parent who expressed concern that some type of religious influence would be missing. His opinion was that spiritual needs have to be met as had been met with the Holy Cross presence, and students need some type of clerical influence.

Paula Waters discussed the issue of the Catholicity of the school. The Cardinal has been charged to appoint a chaplain to the school. Someone has been asked and is waiting for permission to accept the position. Since the announcement of Holy Cross’ withdrawal, many priests from the Archdiocese have expressed interest in either saying Masses, teaching a class, etc. at Notre Dame. Joe Gurdak indicated there may be the possibility of co-chaplains since there are two people who have expressed interest. This will continue to ensure the Catholicity of the school.

Chris Nowotarski reported the Cardinal appointed all members of the ACF with the requirement that all members go through a program to strengthen their Catholic faith.

Another parent questioned how anyone can guarantee the school will remain Catholic with no clergy involved. This parent said it will be a challenge for parents to have their children continue here if there are no guarantees and would not want his son to continue here without guarantees. His opinion was more clergy representation would be needed than just co-chaplains.

Paula Waters answered by saying there is the strong possibility of having as many, if not more, clergy teaching and being involved here than NDHS does now. Joe Gurdak said that there are many priests who have indicated they want to be involved with Notre Dame High School.

Skip Lawson, an alumnus of the school and President of the Notre Dame Alumni Association, stated at the original meeting, there were many priests in attendance which indicates to him their interest.

Paula Waters said priests from all areas will be invited here if they are interested. Joe Gurdak said we will not fail in this area.

Mary Smith, a current parent, thanked Fr. DeLaney, Joe Gurdak, Paula Waters and all board members for all they have done to ensure the future of the school. Mrs. Smith said there were a lot of unknowns during the summer, but things have remained not just "business as usual, but business better than usual." The work accomplished here has been incredible and parents are excited for what is to come.

Joe Gurdak reported the faculty/staff are excited about the continuation of the high school which is evident by so many in attendance here this evening. They are extremely dedicated.

A current parent said his son attends Notre Dame now and another will be taking the placement exam on Saturday. He reported several of his son’s friends are “on the fence” and wondered from a parental recruiting standpoint if there are any information packets available to distribute. He was asking for more statistical information which he thought would be helpful, and there may be parents interested in assisting with the distribution of such information.

Paula Waters reported the Enrollment Department has been enlisting parents in their efforts as well as parishes.

A question was asked regarding the timeline set for the selection of the new president. Pete Newell indicated the deadline for applications is Jan. 22 which should allow adequate time for those interested. Mr. Newell reported interviews for the position have already taken place and there are more interviews to be scheduled. This will be a full-time position. Mr. Newell reported, at this time, one of the applicants would need to receive permission from their superiors to accept the position if the position was offered. Others would be in a position to make a commitment without permission.

Priests who may be coming to offer Mass or teach classes would not necessarily need to have permission. The role of chaplain could possibly be one of a volunteer.

A parent expressed the opinion that the new president should be a priest. Pete Newell said the requirement is for the person to be a practicing Catholic not a cleric. The parent said this would not be good enough, and the person must be a priest. The format has been set up by the Cardinal to address this issue. There are only three priests on the faculty now, and plans are to continue the mission of the school.

Pat Jones, Class of 2002, discussed his experiences with Kairos retreats which had been held on the grounds of the University of Notre Dame. His suggestion was to hire someone who has a relationship with Holy Cross as well as the Archdiocese in order to keep the door open with Holy Cross. This person doesn’t necessarily have to be a priest.

Paula Waters said the Holy Cross tradition is very dear to us, and Kairos will continue. Joe Gurdak reported both his sons attended the Kairos retreat and he also assured the tradition will be continued.

A parent questioned how many lay people will need to be hired to replace the priests who will be leaving. Paula Waters answered that there are only two, and chances are good other priests may replace these individuals. Joe Gurdak said that Archdiocesan priests have already expressed interest, and they will be welcome to apply.

A question was raised regarding the curriculum, and Paula Waters reported plans are for current programs to continue.

Dr. Stagl, a current parent, thanked the board for all their work in this effort, and indicated he has no concerns if there are no religious here as students are exposed to the faculty and staff who are deeply grounded in their religion and have great faith.

Fr. Mike DeLaney spoke of the mission of Holy Cross. Leaders have to safeguard the mission of the school. Fr. Mike reported NDHS believes strongly in hiring for mission. It is the intention to hire the right people for the right jobs, and they are evaluated with regard to mission. Fr. Mike said the faculty/staff are great role models of those who live out their faith and do it well.

Fr. Mike said our strong sense of mission is realized also by outside priests who are present here. The reality of the church is it is in the faithful and we need to be proud of our lay faculty/staff. People are being inspired by what is taking place here and want to be involved. All involved deeply embrace the mission here.

Joe Gurdak said the mission is very important to this high school. As a matter of fact, on Feb. 6, Bishop Kane will celebrate Mass here with the entire school community at which time new board members will be installed. All are welcome to attend.

A father of a current freshman had the opinion that the board “electing” someone to be president was more of a Protestant move. The Bishop “laying his hands on someone” is more Catholic. Paula Waters explained the new president will be appointed by the Bishop, and also indicated a priest as president is not being ruled out, but the right person needs to be chosen. The Holy Cross spirit is here and many of our faculty/staff are Holy Cross trained.

On Nov. 21, 2006, the Cardinal issued a decree which stated all members of the board have to be Catholic.

Mr. Irwin, a current parent, questioned whether Fr. John Smyth will be the new president, or is being seriously considered. Mr. Irwin’s opinion is that if Fr. Smyth is “elected," he would be a great asset. Paula Waters said there will be no elections, but the new President will be appointed and approved by the Cardinal.

Pete Newell read the requirements set for candidates for the position of president. These requirements were put together by the committee. Any individual being considered for this position must have a proven record of success. Mr. Irwin’s opinion was that Fr. Smyth does fulfill the qualifications.

Another parent added, “Tell me what kind of prayer life you have and that’s the type of person you are.” In his opinion, NDHS' next president would be someone who values a faith well-lived.

Mr. Ernst, who is a Deacon, said he knows Cardinal George and how he thinks. Therefore, it was his opinion the Catholicity of the school will be safe and Cardinal George will make sure priests will be fully aware when their presence is needed here, and students will continue to receive the Sacraments. Mr. Ernst said that most likely more priests will be here and deacons also will be available. There are plenty of priests and deacons who think this will be a great opportunity. The last thing to fear is that this will not be a Catholic institution.

Joe Gurdak reported he had spoken with Msr. Velo who has been following what has been taking place here. Msr. Velo has indicated to Mr. Gurdak that he will be here to assist at Mass when his schedule allows. Joe Gurdak said there are so many other priests who have responded already.

Pete Newell said a lot has been accomplished. He wanted to acknowledge Joe Gurdak, Paula Waters and Chris Nowotarski who have put in an inordinate amount of time throughout this process and have done all the “heavy lifting” up to this point.

Mr. Newell asked families to continue to carry the message that the school will thrive but their help will be needed and people will be asked to step forward throughout to accomplish all we want to in the future.

Joe Gurdak informed everyone there will be a mailbox at Notre Dame High School for board members if anyone needs to contact them. He then thanked everyone for their attendance at the forum.