Celebrating 15 Years of Honoring Catholic Educators
This year will mark the 15th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner, titled respectively after Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton who is known as a founder of this country’s parochial school system, established this nation’s first all-girls Catholic School in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Elizabeth was born on August 28, 1774, and originally raised Episcopalian before converting to Catholicism. She was married to William Seton, and they had five children.
The Legacy of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Elizabeth Ann Seton was the founder of the Sisters of Charity in 1809 in Emmitsburg Maryland, and approximately three years later converted to Catholicism. Saint Elizabeth Seton was canonized by Pope Paul IV in 1974. She was the first person born in the United States to be canonized, and her good works continue to live on in our diocese daily.
“Faith lifts the staggering soul on one side, Hope supports it on the other, Experience says it must be and love says let it be.” (Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, from Collected Writings Volume II, page 117).
Catholic Educators Carrying the Torch
Today our diocesan high school and elementary school teachers work hard on a daily basis providing our students with a traditional and diverse education to include, the teachings of Jesus Christ, a sense of community and comradery and open lines of communication with parents. We are excited to honor and recognize three educators highlighting their dedication and service,
- Nicholas Cerreta, Xavier High School, Middletown
- Sister M. Michele Jascenia S.C.M.C., Saint Joseph School, Baltic
- Mary Ann Manning, Saint Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich
Honoree: Nicholas Cerreta – Xavier High School, Middletown
Nick Cerreta has been a part of Xavier High School for over 20 years. A 2001 graduate of Xavier, Mr. Cerreta has dedicated his entire professional career to his alma mater. He joined the faculty in 2005 as an English and Leadership teacher and later served as Dean of Students from 2007 to 2023. From 2023-2024 he served as Associate President for School & Community Growth. In January of 2025 he was named President of Xavier High School.
Honoree: Sister M. Michele Jascenia, S.C.M.C. – Saint Joseph School, Baltic
Sister M. Michele Jascenia S.C.M.C., of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church in Baltic, CT has been teaching for approximately thirty years; most of these years have been at Saint Joseph School in Baltic, spent teaching in the third and fourth grades, then for the past ten years or so teaching History and Religion in the upper grades. Sister earned her B.A. at Eastern Connecticut State University, in Willimantic, CT, and an M.A. in Moral Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, CT. Sister also had the opportunity for additional spiritual and educational classes throughout the years at Holy Family Mother-House in Baltic, CT.
Honoree: Mary Ann Manning – Saint Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich
Mary Ann Manning has been a middle school teacher in the diocese for over 35 years. She began her teaching career at All Hallows School, then Plainfield Catholic in Moosup. Presently, she holds the positions of Middle School Math and Social Studies teacher and Vice Principal at St. Patrick Cathedral School in Norwich. Catholic education has always been an integral part of Mary Ann’s life, beginning with her elementary years at St. Mary’s in Jewett City, St. Bernard’s High School, College of the Holy Cross, and Sacred Heart University, where she received her MA in teaching. Along with her teaching duties, Mary Ann directs the Middle School Nativity play, organizes the school Adopt-a-family program at Christmas, which benefits families in need in Northeastern Connecticut, and has evaluated schools on numerous NEASC teams. In her spare time, she sings with the Contemporary Choir in her church, and the Griswold Players Community Chorus, and serves on the Slater Library Board of Directors and the Griswold Zoning Board of Appeals.
Join Us in Celebration
The 15th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner will take place on October 26, 2025 at Lake of Isles, Stonington, CT. If you have any questions about ways, you can support the 15th Seton Scholarship Dinner, sponsorship opportunities or need more information about one of our four devoted Catholic High Schools or nine dedicated Elementary schools in your area, please contact Gina Foster, Stewardship Coordinator, at 860-886-1928 x115 or via email: gfoster@norwichdiocese.net.
By Gina Foster
Stewardship Coordinator