Gulf Pine Catholic

Volume 35 No. 24 www.biloxidiocese.org July 27, 2018 Catholic Dr. Rhonda Clark named Superintendent of Catholic Schools BILOXI -- Dr. Rhonda Parkinson Clark, assistant superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Biloxi, will move into the superintendent position July 30, replacing Dr. Michael Ladner, who will retire effec- tive July 26. Dr. Ladner has served as superintendent since May 2005. “Dr. Ladner was instrumental in reopening and rebuilding our schools following Hurricane Katrina,” said Bishop Louis F. Kihneman, III, bishop of Biloxi. “I thank him for his 13 years of dedicated service to the Diocese of Biloxi and our Catholic Schools.” Dr. Clark has served as associate superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Biloxi for 10 years. During that time, she assisted in the creation of strategic plans, organized professional development for school leaders and teachers, and held the lead in the two nation- al accreditation visits. She earned a Ph.D. in educational administration and supervision from the University of Southern Mississippi, and holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in mar- keting/business education. Among other duties, Dr. Clark serves on the Mississippi State Board of AdvancED. She is a member of Nativity BVM Cathedral, where she serves as a lec- tor and Eucharistic minister. Her son, Stephen Clark, attended St. James Catholic Elemen- tary School and graduated with honors from St. Patrick Catholic High School in 2016. He is a political science/pre-law junior at Mississippi State University. “Dr. Clark is committed to the mission of our Catholic schools, which provide an education based on Christ’s teaching and Catholic values which focus on the formation of strong moral character, the furtherance of academic excellence, the inspiration to serve others, and the motivation for students to achieve their God-given potential with the ultimate goal of forming intentional disciples who follow Christ, live according to his teach- ings and proclaim him to others,” Bishop Kihneman said. “I thank her for her willingness to serve in this vital role and I look forward to working with her in the years ahead.” For her part, Dr. Clark said she is looking forward to serving as superintendent. “I am honored to be named as Superintendent of Education for the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi and acknowledge that our wonderful Catholic schools are built on the commitment and sacrifice of many who have served before. We recognize the obligation we have for academic excellence, community service, and forming intentional disciples,” she said. “It was a privilege to serve as Associate Superintendent under Dr. Mike Ladner -- who was so instrumental in reopening and rebuilding our schools following Hurricane Katrina. I also thank Sr. Joanne Cozzi and Dr. Lanny Acosta, the two previous superintendents, for their leadership. As the fourth Superintendent of Education in the Diocese of Biloxi, it is my goal to work with our principals, fami- lies, pastors, parish communities, and all stakeholders to continue the important ministry of Catholic education in South Mississippi.” For information about The Catholic Diocese of Biloxi Department of Education, visit www.biloxidio- cese.org/education. Dr. Clark Dr. Ladner Father Patrick O’Shaughnessy celebrates Golden Jubilee of priestly ordination Father Patrick O’Shaughnessy is celebrating 50 years of priesthood. Photo/ St. Vincent de Paul Society of Long Beach. BY TERRY DICKSON LONGBEACH--FatherPatrickO’Shaughnessy, who is retired and in residence at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, is celebrating 50 years as a priest this year and, although he chose not to hold a public celebration, his friends believe it’s a milestone worth celebrating. “Pat has made, and continues to make, a mas- sive contribution to the lives of so many people in the great state of Mississippi and in his native Ireland,” said fellow countryman, longtime friend, and fellow retiree, Father Louis Lohan. Father O’Shaughnessy was born on Feb. 11, 1944, in Limerick, Ireland. He completed his eccle- siastical studies at St. Patrick College, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. He was ordained on June 8, 1968, at the cathe- dral in Thurles and arrived in what was then the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson on Aug. 27, 1968. His first assignment was as assistant pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Pascagoula. Subsequently, he served as associate pastor of St. Michael Parish, Vicksburg; St. John Parish, Oxford (while complet- ing his graduate studies at the University of Mississippi) and St. Alphonsus Parish in Ocean Springs. In 1978, he was appointed Director of Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Biloxi and pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Hattiesburg. He later served as pastor of St. Michael Parish, Biloxi (1991-2004); Sacred Heart Parish, Hattiesburg (2004-2006) and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Lumberton and St. Joseph Mission, Poplarville (2006-2009). He retired to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in 2009. SEE GOLDEN JUBILEE, PAGE 15