St. Anastasia Church & School Morning Star Program
Announcement
FORT PIERCE — St. Anastasia Catholic Church & School is pleased to announce the beginning of a Morning Star Program to address the growing need of specialized, individualized learning for students with unique needs in our community. This is a transformative journey to ensure that every child has access to an exceptional Catholic education.
Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez recently visited the campus surrounded by families, along with Bishop Emeritus Gerald M. Barbarito; Father Charles Notabartolo, Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia; Father Albert Dello Russo, Chancellor; Father Brian King, Episcopal Secretary; Father Richard E. George II, Pastor of St. Anastasia; Father Josh Martin, Parochial Vicar; Father Jaime Dorado, Administrator of San Juan Diego Centro; Jennifer Trefelner, diocesan Director of Communications and Development; Katie Kervi, Superintendent of Schools; and John Clarke, Associate Superintendent of Schools; plus select donors, faculty, staff, supporters, and students.
“I am grateful to see the Morning Star Pilot Program moving forward at St. Anastasia Catholic School and appreciate the hard work that has been done to make this dream a reality,” Bishop Manuel said. “This special initiative reflects our Catholic commitment to recognize the God-given dignity and potential of every child and to ensure that families seeking a faith-filled education for children with unique learning needs feel welcomed and supported in our schools. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to Bishop Barbarito, whose foresight and support helped make this program possible. I look forward to seeing the many ways this program will bless students, families, and the entire school community.”
The Morning Star Pilot Program is scheduled to open this fall with a small group of elementary-age students. The program will offer a designated space on the St. Anastasia campus for students who need a modified curriculum and a highly supported learning plan, allowing the students to progress at their own pace. St. Anastasia is also hiring a Program Director and Instructional Assistant.
“The need for a program that better serves the diverse needs of our growing parish is undeniable. Just as Mary leads us to Christ, so too will the Morning Star of St. Anastasia lead us closer to Jesus by fully recognizing the dignity of all children. I am so grateful to our school community as we answer a call that began over a decade ago,” said Kevin A. Hoeffner, Ph.D., St. Anastasia’s Principal.
