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►Father Thorne: At the Center of CentralC.C.H.S. Principal, Father Thomas ThorneBy Luisa Rijo Very often, we take people for granted; we see them only in one light — and miss out on knowing the whole person. We all know Father Thomas Thorne as a dedicated principal and a devoted priest, but not many of us are aware of his varied hobbies and interesting background.Basketball, tennis, and downhill skiing are just a few of Father’s activities. In addition, he also enjoys classical music and world travel. So far. Father has visited over ten places, such asmost of the Caribbean, Europe, and Russia. Of these. Father says Rome has been his favorite place to visit, because “it’s the centerof our faith.”Father Thorne graduated from Immaculate High School in Danbury. While a student, he participated in cross country, basketball. and was a member of the ski club. “I was the Matt Lawlor of the Class of ’66 ... although I did not play soccer, but basketball.” After graduating from Immaculate, Father attended the University of Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada, where he received a B A. in Philosophy. After his undergraduate studies, he continued his education at St. John's Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts, where he received a Master of Divinity (M. Div.), and at Fairfield University, where he obtained an M.A. in religious education.Father Thorne was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Bridgeport in 1976 by Bishop Walter Curtis. His first assignment was as associate pastor at St. Mark in Stratford in 1978. In September of that same year, Father came to Central Catholic High School as chaplain and teacher of Moral Theology. This is his third year as principal of CCHS, and he has found it very fulfilling.When asked if he has noticed a changes in the school and its students. Father answered, “Improvements and growth in academic excellence and expansionot college and university acce^ tance of our students have grown.” When asked about future plansfor CCHS, Father said, “lb maximize enrollment, increase our financial endowment, and continue to refurbish the school.”“The strength and pride of CCHS lie in the excellent academic record of placing seniors in college, providing a Catholic religious education... leadership and the example of the Bishop, faculty, staff and administration ... and the financial generosity of parents, alumni, Mayor Esposito, and friends of CCHS.”From a recent meeting with Bishop Egan and six other Catholic high school principals. Father stated, “I came away deeply impressed, very hopeful and grateful for the affirming pledge of support. Our Diocese is uniquely fortunate to have Bishop Eganas our chief shepherd.”Father Thorne has expressed his fondness toward the faculty for their loyalty, kindness, and generosity. He commented, “[our]teachers are very professional and qualified. They give our kids a good education.”Finally, Father Thorne gave some advice to the graduating class of '89: “Make decisions wisely, weigh the consequences carefully, and always be open tothe God who loves us.”
Newspaper Details
Norwalk News Trader
Norwalk, Connecticut, US
Thu, Feb 23, 1989
Page 17
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
AU 19 Jun 2019
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