Principal Announcement: Welcome, Deacon Joseph G. Rafferty, Sr.!

Dear St. Charles Borromeo School Families,

I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer so far and have a chance to rest and relax throughout July

and August.

As you know, Mrs. Kobrin was appointed as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum here in the Diocese of Trenton for the upcoming school year and beyond. While it’s tough to lose an accomplished

school leader and educator from St. Charles, it’s nice to know that we will continue to be connected with Mrs. Kobrin through her wider work throughout our diocese. However, her departure from us means that the position of principal needs to be filled here within our school community.

Given the timing of things and the fact that we had our signature event of the Carnival just a few weeks ago, I decided that moving forward in the selection process should be efficient in its timing. As such, I’m pleased that largely the same group that worked to help bring Mrs. Kobrin on board last year was able to help in this endeavor as well. Consisting of nine various stakeholders with representation from the PTA, faculty, School Board, parish staff, and parishioners, we set about to find our next education leader.

After reviewing resumes and conducting a series of interviews, I’m pleased to say that we’ve found our next principal. Allow me to introduce to the community Deacon Joseph Rafferty as our principal. Deacon Joe comes with a wealth of experience, both in public education as a Principal and as a Superintendent, and most recently as a principal in Catholic education at St. Rose of Lima in Haddon Heights. I’m excited for the opportunity to work with Deacon Joe and to bring him into our school and parish here at St. Charles. Please find attached his own letter of introduction, which I hope will serve as a stepping-off point in welcoming him to a warm, vibrant community.

Peace and Goodness,

Fr. Dan

Letter of Introduction to the St. Charles Borromeo Parish and School Community

Dear St. Charles Borromeo Parish and School Families,

Peace and blessings in Christ Jesus.

My name is Deacon Joseph G. Rafferty, Sr. I am a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Camden, currently assigned to St. Rose of Lima Parish in Haddon Heights. It is with great gratitude, humility, and excitement that I write to you as the newly appointed Principal of St. Charles Borromeo School.

Throughout my professional life, I have been blessed to serve in Catholic and public education as a coach, teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. Most recently, I served as Principal of St. Rose of Lima School before retiring after more than forty years in education.

As I entered retirement, I believed that chapter of my educational career had concluded.

However, God often has plans that differ from our own. When the opportunity to serve St.

Charles Borromeo School was presented, I spent much time in prayer and discernment. I came to recognize this invitation as a call from God to continue serving His Church and the mission of Catholic education.

Catholic schools play a vital role in forming young people not only academically, but spiritually, morally, and socially. Our mission extends beyond preparing students for future careers; we are called to help form disciples of Jesus Christ who will live lives of faith, service, and compassion.

As Pope Leo XIV recently reminded us, "To educate is an act of hope." Every day, Catholic

educators plant seeds that help young people discover their God-given dignity, develop their

talents, and learn how to serve others. I believe deeply in that mission and look forward to

partnering with you in continuing the rich tradition of Catholic education at St. Charles

Borromeo School.

I have already been inspired by the strong faith, dedication, and commitment that characterize

this parish and school community. I am eager to work alongside Father Dan, faculty, staff,

parents, parishioners, and students as we continue building upon the school's many successes.

Together, we will strive to:

• Strengthen our Catholic identity and faith formation programs.

• Foster academic excellence and lifelong learning.

• Support and encourage our dedicated teachers and staff.

• Build strong partnerships between school, parish, and families.

• Create a welcoming environment where every child is known, valued, and loved.

I firmly believe that Catholic education succeeds when clergy, educators, parents, and

parishioners work together in a shared mission. Your involvement, prayers, and support are

essential to the continued growth and vitality of St. Charles Borromeo School.

I am honored by the confidence that Father Dan and the Diocese have placed in me. I look

forward to serving the school and parish community of St. Charles. I ask for your prayers as I

begin this new ministry, and please know that you and your families will be remembered in my

prayers as well.

My wife, Barbara, and I are grateful for the warm welcome we have already received from the

community since relocating to Cinnaminson over a year ago. We look forward to becoming part of this wonderful parish family and getting to know each of you in the months ahead.

May God continue to bless St. Charles Borromeo Parish and School as we work together to form young people in faith, knowledge, service, and love.

Sincerely in Christ,

Deacon Joseph G. Rafferty, Sr.

Principal

St. Charles Borromeo School

"Be who you are and be that well, in order to give honor to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork you are."

— St. Francis de Sales