New Role for Msgr. Hardiman

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has announced the appointment of Msgr. Michael J. Hardiman as acting executive director of the Futures in Education Foundation Endowment Fund, effective Jan. 1.

In appointing Msgr. Hardiman, the bishop said he selected him because of his extensive knowledge of the needs of Catholic education drawn from more than 16 years in diocesan education administration, serving until now as the Vicar for Education.

Bishop DiMarzio said Msgr. Hardiman will guide the process of raising the resources required to place Catholic education on firmer financial footing. He will be assisted by an 11-member board of directors of business leaders.

Msgr. Hardiman

When he was named Vicar for Education, it was for a three-year term, but he remained in the post at the bishop’s request as the diocese’s ministry in elementary school education underwent a significant change through initiatives that included the merging of schools and the expansion of the role of the laity in school governance.

In light of his new duties, and in view of his pastorate at St. Sebastian’s parish in Woodside, one of the largest in the diocese, Msgr. Hardiman will conclude his assignment as Vicar for Education upon assuming his work with the endowment fund, Bishop DiMarzio said.

In a restructuring, the bishop said the Office of Catholic School Support Services, whose superintendent is Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, will become part of the Vicariate for Evangelization and Pastoral Life under Auxiliary Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.

Msgr. Hardiman said the reorganization of the schools office will spark “greater and more effective collaboration” in diocesan educational planning, calling it “a very positive move that will enhance Catholic education in Queens and Brooklyn.”

Established late last year, the endowment fund seeks support from businesses and corporations in the metropolitan area so that Catholic education can maintain an important presence in all parts of the diocese.

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