St Rose Preschool Welcomes New Director

By Larissa Lytwyn

Sister M. Thaddeus of the international order, Sisters of the Holy Families, will officially begin serving as St Rose Preschool’s new director July 1.

Sister Thaddeus has 20 years of experience in Catholic school education, including a four-year period teaching St Joseph’s High School in Trumbull. 

She has also served at a number of Catholic schools in New York and New Jersey.

In addition, she served as Secretary General for nine years in Rome. “Being so directly involved in all the activities [in Rome] really deepened my faith,” she said.

She was raised in a Catholic household she describes as “very strong in its faith.”

“I was drawn towards becoming a nun because of my strong love and desire to serve God,” she said.

After her return from Rome, she began ministering to families at St Rose through the St Rose Convent, representing Sisters of the Holy Families.

“I also began working [at St Rose] as an administrative assistant in their religious education office for two years,” she said. “But I felt as though God was urging me toward a higher calling. I wanted to be closer to the students.”

Her opportunity came in early March, when current director Debra O’Handley learned that her husband’s job was being relocated to the Berkshire mountain area in Massachusetts.

“I began the interview process in March,” said Sister Thaddeus. “I feel very blessed and am very excited to begin as the new director for the next school year!”

Ms O’Handley originally taught at Trinity Day School.

“Five years ago, St Rose began its preschool program — the only one in our Bridgeport diocese,” she said. “[Then] Principal Donna DeLuca encouraged me to teach there. When I began four years ago, there were only 24 students. The following year, the number grew significantly and Ms DeLuca decided that we needed a director of the program. I was happy to serve.”

Today, St Rose Preschool has 115 students, with a waiting list of approximately 50.

“I believe our program is unique because it is faith-based,” said Ms O’ Handley. “However, the program is open to families of all faiths.”

The program has had Jewish and Muslim students, she said.

“One of the things I appreciated most about being at St Rose was having the freedom to express my love of Christ freely,” she said.

Sister Thaddeus said she is looking forward to continuing Ms O’Handley’s programs this fall. “I love children,” she said. “I am excited about working more directly with the children!”