School experience impresses priest

Rev. Adam Forno has had a conversion experience. Two years ago, he became administrator of a parish, St. Joseph's in Rensselaer, that is host to a regional school: St. Joseph's/St. John's Academy. (Rev. Joseph Cotugno is administrator of St. John's.)

"I didn't believe in Catholic schools," he said. "I thought we could do a better job with intensive religious education." While he still believes that intensive religious ed programs are necessary, he doesn't think they eliminate the need for schools.

He also used to question whether Catholic schools were really what the Church was supposed to be doing and was displeased by the low salaries of the teachers.

"Then I came here," he told The Evangelist, "and they invited me to be involved with the school."

Convert

What he witnessed was a community where older children shepherd younger ones, everyone knows each others names, and parents are involved in their child's education. "I have been converted," he stated.

He said that St. Joseph's/St. John's Academy is carrying on the rich tradition of Catholic education, which began in 1863 in the city of Rensselaer and is something he wholeheartedly supports.

Since arriving, Father Forno has played an active role in school liturgies, visiting classrooms, working with students and improving the morale of the school. This work on morale included repainting the whole school.

"We have nothing," he said, referring to material goods, "but we have spirit and self-esteem. We are somebody."

Connected to students

His presence in the school is welcomed by the students. Recently, eighth graders commented that they enjoy having a priest involved with their school.

Eighth grader Nicole Roy said, "We get to see a different side of him other than in church. He talks to us."

While the students admire Father Forno, he is pleased with their accomplishments. A high percentage of graduates of the school go on to Catholic high schools where they are on the honor roll and in the National Honor Society. Former students are now enrolled in colleges like Harvard and The Catholic University of America

High achievements

Sister Kathleen Pritty, principal, reports that 67 percent of last year's eighth grade class took the math Regents, a test designed for ninth graders. The lowest grade at St. Joseph's/St. John's was 87 percent; the highest was a perfect score.

While academics are important, Father Forno is clear on the mission of the school: "We teach Jesus Christ here. We teach beliefs and values." (MM)

(12-05-96) [[In-content Ad]]