A Catholic Education has had a great impact upon my life. Attending Catholic elementary, middle, and high school has provided me with a strong sense of community, the gift of life-long friendships and instilled the importance of volunteerism. I can remember many teachers throughout my Catholic education who had a profound influence on my life. I am sure we can all remember that one teacher who reached out to you when you needed support, stayed after school with you for extra help in Math or English, or simply complimented you on a report or test grade.
The commitment of those involved in our diocesan Catholic school education has been well known for years. Recognizing the exceptional work of our educators, in 2010 Bishop Cote established the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for Contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich.
This annual award goes to three individuals who have made significant contributions to Catholic education in the Diocese of Norwich. The award ceremony takes place at the Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner. This year’s honorees are:
Amy Freeman, teacher, Mercy High School, Middletown
Mother M. Elaine Moorcroft S.C.M.C., principal, Saint John School, Old Saybrook,
Reverend Joseph Tito, administrator of Saint Joseph School, Baltic, and Sacred Heart School, Taftville; pastor, Saint Mary Immaculate Conception Church Baltic, Sacred Heart Church Taftville, and Saint Joseph Church, Occum
Amy Freeman has been an educator at Mercy High School for 35 years. During her career, she has taught a variety of different courses such as Spanish, French, English and creative writing. In addition to her teaching, she is the moderator of the French Honor Society, Breakfast Book Club, Japanese club and Mercy Students for Change.
Mother Elaine Moorcroft was born and raised in Glastonbury and attended Glastonbury Public Schools and Assumption Junior High School in Manchester, staffed by the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church. She entered the Sisters of Charity in January 1981 and professed her final vows in 1988. With a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s in math education, Catholic school administration and in theology, she has had the privilege of teaching elementary school for 16 years and serving as a Catholic school principal for 25 years, all within the Diocese of Norwich.
When asked what her greatest joy has been, she responded by saying, “Watching children, teachers and parents grow as persons of faith.” Mother Elaine is currently the principal of Saint John School, Old Saybrook.
Reverend Joseph Tito has been pastor at Saint Mary Immaculate Conception Church and administrator of Saint Joseph School, Baltic for 26 years. Saint Joseph School, Baltic is dedicated to helping families form children in heart, mind and soul. In addition, Reverend Tito also has served for the past five years as the pastor and administrator of Sacred Heart Church and School in Taftville. Sacred Heart School fosters Gospel values built upon the teachings of Jesus. Father Tito also has served as pastor at Saint Joseph Church, Occum for the past seven years.
The 12th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, at 4 p.m. at Saint Clements Castle & Marina, 1931 Portland-Cobalt Road, Portland, CT 06480. Sponsorship opportunities, program book ads and tickets are available for purchase by contacting Gina Foster, stewardship coordinator, Diocese of Norwich at gfoster@norwichdiocese.net or by calling the Office of Development at (860) 886-1928. All proceeds from the Seton Scholarship Dinner support our diocesan Catholic elementary school students. We really appreciate your generous support throughout the past 12 years and hope you can join us in celebrating Amy Freeman, Mother M. Elaine Moorecroft S.C.M.C and Reverend Joseph Tito.
By Gina Foster
