GASTONIA — Michelle Vollman has been named principal of St. Michael School and will start July 1.
In a letter to the St. Michael School and Parish communities, Father Lucas Rossi, pastor, noted, “During her interview, it was clear to the search committee members that Ms. Vollman is an emerging leader. She brings great excitement and enthusiasm to her new position.”
Vollman comes to Gastonia from Huntersville Elementary, where she taught for four years. She has taught in the classroom since 2012.
She was a founding teacher at Cabarrus Charter Academy, where she served as lead teacher, overseeing curriculum planning and advocating for the teachers and students under her leadership.
She has participated in over 100 hours of professional development including educational strategies which focus on teaching to the whole child. She also recently achieved Google expert certification – particularly relevant as schools have had to rely on virtual learning and communication tools during the COVID-19 pandemic, Father Rossi noted.
Vollman earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, and she will begin master’s degree studies in educational administration in July at Queens University in Charlotte.
One of Vollman’s first tasks will be to implement a virtue program the school purchased last fall called “Disciples of Christ, Education in Virtue.”
Developed by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, it is structured on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas teaching children the virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Vollman will also help lead the school in incorporating a new Catholic liberal arts curriculum, in the classical model, phasing in with the 2021-’22 academic year.
Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of diocesan schools, said, “St. Michael’s School is a valuable part of our diocesan school system, and we at the CSO look forward to working with and supporting Principal Vollman as the school community plans, prepares and launches the new curriculum and pedagogy of the Catholic liberal arts while embracing the state-of-the-art technology at the school.”
Vollman said she is eager to make a difference in the lives of St. Michael’s students, teachers and families.
“I am blessed to be part of such a wonderful parish and school family,” she said. “What I love about St. Michael’s is that it has such a rich history and has seen its fair share of successes and milestones in the past. As the new leader of St. Michael’s, I hope that it will see many more during my time here.”
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter
CHARLOTTE — Thirteen deacon candidates for the permanent diaconate and their instructors have had to adjust to virtual formation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure of churches, parish activity and retreat centers over the course of several months meant classes had to be conducted remotely in order to keep the men on track for a scheduled 2021 ordination.
In addition to meetings via video conferencing software, the candidates are continuing their online classes through the University of Notre Dame in addition to their other assignments for formation, said Deacon Ed Konarski, who has been assisting with formation.
“With the good spirit and cooperation of the teachers, and the candidates and their wives, the current year has been completed as planned. Going forward, we will continue the process of formation in this fashion until we are able to meet in person,” Deacon Konarski said.
He acknowledged that they have missed the personal encounters, discussions and interactions with the candidates due to public health restrictions that until recently prohibited in-person meetings and trainings. Not being able to pray together or participate together at Mass has been unfortunate, he added.
Your DSA contributions at work
The Permanent Diaconate Program is funded by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. For more information or to donate, go online www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.
But, he noted, the physical separation has enhanced the importance of the men’s own personal spiritual practices. “Despite these losses, we trust that the current situation is somehow an important part of the men’s formation in order for them to become the deacons God intends for them to be,” he said.
Deacon Ruben Tamayo of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte helped facilitate in-person sessions as well as the last remote session the candidates had in May.
“The remote learning still allows for some level of interaction and makes it possible to continue the classes when on-site classes are not feasible,” he said. “I can see this class format remaining useful beyond the pandemic. For example, we can avoid canceling classes due to inclement weather such as snow and ice.”
Deacon Tamayo said the candidates will still need “same time, same place instruction to allow the candidates and their wives to develop a sense of community – something that has been very helpful to my classmates and our wives.”
“Yes, the pandemic has been a challenge for formation, but our leaders in formation have modeled responsible, responsive and reflective adaptation to the changing and evolving situation,” said candidate John Langlois. “These alone are valuable examples and lessons that we will all be able to bring forward in our ministry, God willing, as future deacons.”
The candidates are scheduled to be instituted as acolytes on Aug. 15, another step forward in their formation journey.
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter