Kathy Del Rio Retirement from SEAS

As we approach the end of the 2021-2022 school year, the entire Divine Mercy Parish community, most especially our St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School families and staff, wish a happy and blessed retirement to Mrs. Kathy Del Rio who currently serves as our Assistant Principal at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School. 
 
In reflecting on the impact she has made throughout her time at SEAS, Kathy shared “It just doesn’t seem real that my time on the best faculty in the world will soon come to an end. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School has been my home away from home for 27 wonderful years. When I first enrolled my children here, I told my extended family, “You can feel the love in the halls, and that is what I want for my boys.” Even today, parents who come to tour St. Elizabeth often make the exact same comment as they register their children to become Eagles. Love will always be tangible at SEAS, and I will take some of it with me in my heart for the retirement that God has led me to.”  
 
“Kathy has enriched the lives of countless students, families, fellow faculty members, parishioners, and the broader Divine Mercy community”, Fr. Robert Cooper shares in gratitude to Kathy’s devoted service. “I am forever grateful for her years of service and for the sacrifices she has made to make St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School an exemplar of academic excellence, virtue formation, and Christian holiness. Kathy will forever be part of the vibrant history of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School and will continue to be a dedicated parishioner of Divine Mercy Parish. I pray that her retirement will be filled with joy, happiness, and the blessings of Almighty God!”
 
Joan Kathmann, the Principal at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, is especially filled with emotion as her colleague and friend of many years prepares for her next chapter.  “Kathy has dedicated the last 27 years to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School while serving in many different capacities. Her love of our community has been evident in her interactions with our students, faculty, and parents. She touched the minds and hearts of many former students, and has been instrumental in implementing our traditions that are dear to our school.”  Joan also wishes to thank Kathy’s husband Ralph, her sons Nathan and Ross (both SEAS alumni), and granddaughter Genevieve (who is continuing the legacy at St. Elizabeth) for their love and support through the years. “We love you, Kathy, and we will miss you”.  
 
Teaching in a Catholic school is often referred to as a vocation – a calling to become part of something of great significance; in this case, to share in the Church’s mission. The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council wrote, “Beautiful indeed and of great importance is the vocation of all those who aid parents in fulfilling their duties and who, as representatives of the human community, undertake the task of education in schools. This vocation demands special qualities of mind and heart, very careful preparation, and continuing readiness to renew and to adapt” (Gravissimum Educationis #5). In their own way, teachers and administrators in Catholic schools share in the work of Jesus to reach out to others and spread the Good News of the Gospel and is clearly seen in the life of Mrs. Del Rio.  Kathy has been involved in the Parish from the early days of St. Elizabeth, when Mass was held in the cafeteria of A.C. Alexander School. She has served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, co-chaired various booths for the parish fair, served on committees, assisted with various Capital Campaigns, but most importantly by inspiring the children of SEAS to daily walk with Christ through her example and joyful spirit.
 
Kathy- may you enjoy your retirement and know how grateful our entire school and parish are for your years of faithful service in forming children into young men and women of faith.  May God bless you and happy retirement!