Father Norman presented with Christ the Teacher award
SALT LAKE CITY — Father John Norman, pastor of Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, was presented with the 11th Christ the Teacher Award by Utah Catholic Schools during a Mass on March 8 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Salt Lake City.
The inaugural award was presented in 2003 to the late Monsignor John Sullivan; last year, it was given to Father Ken Vialpando, pastor of Saint Joseph Parish.
"This award is given in recognition of the many years of service given in connection to our Catholic schools," said Holy Cross Sister Catherine Kamphaus, superintendent of Utah Catholic Schools.
Fr. Norman, a 1971 graduate of Judge Memorial Catholic High School, was ordained a priest in 1979 by Bishop Joseph Lennox Federal on Sept. 7 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
In addition to advanced studies in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Fr. Norman holds a master’s degree in private school administration from the Institute for Catholic Educational Leadership, University of San Francisco.
"During most of his years as a diocesan priest, Fr. Norman has been involved in Catholic secondary school education in the Diocese of Salt Lake City as teacher, principal and president," according to the citation, which was read during the award presentation by Holy Cross Sister Genevra Rolf, assistant superintendent of Utah Catholic Schools.
Fr. Norman was a teacher at Judge Memorial starting in 1979 and at Juan Diego Catholic High School from 2004 to 2008. He also was principal at Saint Joseph Catholic High School in Ogden from 1989 to 1997. In 1997 he returned to Judge Memorial as president of the school, serving until 2004, when he became a full-time pastor.
"Besides his role as Catholic school educator, Fr. Norman is known for his excellent presentations on the principles of Catholic social justice both within and outside of the diocese," the citation reads. "In addition to teaching about the Church’s stand in these areas, Fr. Norman has served on the Peace and Justice Commission for the diocese."
Last year, Fr. Norman took his current pastoral assignment and "is once again associated with Catholic school education," according to the award. "His gifts as teacher and administrator make him more than worthy of the Christ the Teacher Award for 2013."
In accepting the award, Fr. Norman said he never wanted to leave the classroom; even now as pastor he regularly reads to students at Saint Vincent de Paul School. "They keep me close to my commitment to Catholic education," he said.
During his remarks, Fr. Norman also thanked many of those who had formed him, including his parents; the late Monsignor James Kenny, who "began my history with Catholic schools;" the late Monsignor Jerome C. Stoffel, who "taught me to love the Church;" the faculty at Judge Memorial while he was a student, particularly Sonny Tangaro, who "taught me the values of a Christian gentleman and the reasons why we have Catholic schools as a freshman in his classroom," he said.
"I’d also like to thank every student that sat in the classes I taught," and their parents, Fr. Norman added, "for giving me that purpose each day."
The award, he said, belongs to anyone who shows up almost every day for 30 years and "has something true, interesting and valuable to teach each day, and to do it with compassion for your students."
The award was presented during a professional educators’ day for Utah Catholic Schools, at which school teachers and staff heard a presentation on suicide prevention, which met the state-mandated requirement.
The day included not only professional development but also awards presentations and recognition of outstanding employees. It ended with a Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City.
During the Mass, Bishop Wester presented the Christ the Teacher Award to Fr. Norman. Concelebrating the Mass were Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, vicar general and vicar for clergy; Fr. Norman; Father Rene Rodillas, administrator of Saint Olaf Parish; Father J.J. Schwall, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Salt Lake City; and Fr. Vialpando. Deacon Lynn Johnson assisted.
Bishop Wester said the Mass gave him an opportunity to thank the teachers "for your singular service to God’s people, especially our youth, and the many ways in which you offer them a role model, an example of Christian living.... Your love of God spills over in your love for your students, and the two go hand in hand."
© Copyright 2024 The Diocese of Salt Lake City. All rights reserved.
Stay Connected With Us