USCCB - (Office of Media Relations) - USCCB Department of Education Undergoes Restructuring

USCCB Department of Education Undergoes Restructuring

WASHINGTON (March 22, 2002) -- The Education Department of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has been restructured with Father Daniel Kutys and Father William Davis named to two new senior staff positions.

Father Kutys, currently Executive Director of the Bishops' Office for the Catechism, becomes Deputy Secretary for Catechesis. Father Davis, an Oblate of St. Francis DeSales and current Assistant Secretary for Catholic Schools and Public Policy in the Education Department, becomes Deputy Secretary for Schools.

The changes were announced by Dominican Sister Glenn Anne McPhee, USCCB Secretary for Education. They become effective July 1, 2002.

The restructuring follows the November 2000 decision of the Bishops to elevate the Education Committee's Subcommittee for Catechesis to full committee status.

"This underscores the importance of catechesis as a major responsibility of the bishops' conference," said Sister McPhee. "The Catechesis Committee will seek to identify, examine, and pursue significant catechetical issues and trends. The Committee addresses the catechetical and religious education needs of children, youth and adults in our culturally diverse Church."

Sister McPhee said also that "the Committee on Education will continue its responsibility and authority for reviewing and making recommendations on objectives, plans, programs and policies for the Department of Education. The Education Committee addresses the educational, catechetical, and public policy needs for elementary, secondary and post-secondary educational institutions."

The Education Department office, headed by Sister McPhee, now includes an Office for Schools and Office for Catechesis.

The Schools Office staff, in addition to Father Davis, includes Michael Galligan-Stierle, Assistant Secretary for Catholic Higher Education and Campus Ministry; Mary Ellen Russell, Assistant Secretary for Parental Advocacy; and Carolyn Weir, Research Associate.

The Catechesis Office staff, in addition to Father Kutys, includes Sister of Charity Maureen Shaughnessy, Assistant Secretary for Catechesis/Leadership Formation; Daniel Mulhall, Assistant Secretary for Catechesis and Inculturation; and Brian Keane, Coordinator for Conformity Assessment (Catechism).