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Archbishop Allen Vigneron has made the following two appointments to his staff:

Bernadette Sugrue has been named Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Mrs. Sugrue has served as an associate superintendent of Catholic schools for the archdiocese since 1998, overseeing the areas of professional development, policy and curriculum, special education, educational administration, and programming for urban elementary schools. Prior to joining Central Services, she had taught at St. Frances Cabrini Elementary School for 16 years, and had served as the school's principal from 1990 until 1998. She holds a Master of Arts degree in elementary education from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Madonna University in Livonia. Mrs. Sugrue succeeds Sr. Mary Gehringer, OSM, as superintendent. She will report to Dr. Margie Crooks, Director of the Department of Evangelization, Catechesis and Schools.

Father Jeffrey Day has been named the Ecumenical/Interfaith Advisor for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Fr. Day will continue his duties at St. Sebastian Parish in Dearborn Heights, where he currently serves as pastor. Fr. Day also serves as vicar of the West Wayne Vicariate, a member of the Presbyteral Council, spiritual advisor for the Archdiocese Natural Family Planning Advisory Board, and chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Fr. Patrick O'Kelley Council in Dearborn. He formerly served on the Assignment Board, and as associate pastor at St. Isidore Parish in Macomb Township and Divine Child Parish in Dearborn. Fr. Day succeeds Msgr. Patrick Halfpenny as Ecumenical/Interfaith Advisor.

Both assignments are effective immediately.

Comments regarding the appointments

Statement from Bernadette Sugrue on being named Superintendent of Catholic Schools: "I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve as Superintendent for our Catholic Schools. I enthusiastically support Archbishop Vigneron's vision for our schools as places grounded in a strong Catholic identity and marked by quality, cutting-edge education.  I'm looking forward to working with the dedicated staff in the Department of Evangelization, Catechesis and Schools as well as with our hard-working teachers and school administrators in ongoing efforts to implement this vision for our schools."

Statement from Dr. Margie Crooks, Director of the Department of Evangelization, Catechesis and Schools, regarding Mrs. Sugrue's appointment: "We are very happy to have Bernadette assume the role of Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Mrs. Sugrue brings a strong Catholic schools background as well as the respect of her peers. We look forward to her leading us as we continue to strengthen our Catholic identity and our academic excellence. The children and the families of the Archdiocese will be well served."

Statement from Fr. Jeffrey Day on being named Ecumenical/Interfaith Advisor: "I am looking forward to assisting Archbishop Vigneron in this important part of his ministry, of being in dialogue with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and all people of faith."

Statement from Msgr. Patrick Halfpenny, Episcopal Vicar overseeing the Office for Clergy and Consecrated Life and Fr. Day's predecessor as Ecumenical/Interfaith Advisor: "Fr. Day brings a wonderful combination of gifts to his new responsibilities. He is, of course, a faithful priest who loves the Church. At the same time, he is a person open to and respectful of other perspectives and traditions. He relates well to all people and has the temperament and mind which will help him serve Archbishop Vigneron well in relations with other Christians and people from other faith traditions."