‘MISSION NEVER CHANGES’

BACK TO SCHOOL: For Michael O’Kane, education, faith and safety remain paramount at Blessed Sacrament School

After two years as social-studies teacher, Michael O’Kane, who has held positions as teacher to assistant principal to principal in his long career, was named principal at Blessed Sacrament this year. (Mike Matvey photo)

Michael O’Kane never expected that a short visit to the United States would lead to a new home and career nearly 39 years later.

Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, O’Kane was a substitute teacher in a local school as well as working at a radio station while using his degree in Gaelic, the language native to Ireland. But his trip to New York City took an unexpected turn. His sister, who had been living there, was accepted into a teachers’ college in Ireland. She returned home and O’Kane chose to remain in the U.S.

That decision opened the door to a long career in education. He began teaching in the Bronx at St. Angela Merici School, just a short walk from Yankee Stadium, before moving on to teach and serve as an administrator in Catholic schools in Sullivan and Orange counties. Over the years, he has held many roles — from classroom teacher to assistant principal to principal.

When O’Kane’s son settled in Albany for work and later married, he and his wife, Barbara, decided to buy a house in the Capital District with the thought of retiring there someday. But once again, life had other plans.

“We bought a house at the end of 2022 with the intention of moving up once we retired from the school where we were teaching in the Bronx,” O’Kane said. “In the spring of 2023, the Archdiocese of New York closed that school, and we felt it was the right moment to make the move to Albany.”

That decision brought them to Blessed Sacrament School, where both found positions. O’Kane taught middle-school social studies for two years before being asked to serve as principal this past spring.

The school, which once served pre-K through Grade 8, now extends from pre-K through Grade 6 as part of the restructuring of Catholic schools in Albany, which included the closing of All Saints Catholic Academy earlier this year. While changes have taken place, O’Kane said the mission of the school has remained constant.

“The mission never changes. It’s always about providing a well-rounded education, with faith at the center,” he said. “Parents want to know that when they bring their children here, they’ll be safe, cared for and taught by dedicated teachers. That’s what we strive for every day.”

He also credits the guidance and presence of Father Daniel Quinn, pastor, as an important part of school life.

“Father Quinn is a wonderful support. He is very attuned to what’s happening in the school and makes it a priority to visit when he can, even though he serves several parishes,” O’Kane said. “We’re also fortunate to have Father Stephen Yusko stop by. The presence of priests, even for a quick visit, means a lot to us as a Catholic school.”

Blessed Sacrament School offers Spanish, music, art, tech, gym, and after-care services Monday through Friday. As one of only two remaining Catholic schools in Albany, O’Kane is mindful of the school’s important role in the community.

“Blessed Sacrament and Mater Christi are the last two parochial schools in Albany,” he said. “Each serves a unique neighborhood and student population. Here at Blessed Sacrament, many of our families face financial challenges, so the school and parish play an especially important role in supporting the community.”