Mary Fran Cassidy Honored for Excellence in Religious Education
Mary Fran Cassidy is distinguished for 20 years of industry experience

DUBLIN, OH, September 4, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Mary Fran Cassidy, Liturgist and Director of Religious Education for Saint Brigid of Kildare Parish, has been recognized by Cambridge Who's Who for showing dedication, leadership and excellence in all aspects of religious education.

An experienced liturgist, musician and educator, Mary Fran Cassidy is proud to be celebrating her 20th year with St. Brigid of Kildare Parish. As the director of religious education for St. Brigid, Mrs. Cassidy is responsible for overseeing religious education programs for students of all ages. She provides sacramental preparation courses, develops resources for teachers and conducts adult faith enrichment classes and certification classes for catechists/teachers. She is the author of "Faith and Belief," a supplemental religion text for junior high students. In addition to educational enrichment, Mrs. Cassidy directs retreats and workshops. She serves as cantor and organist for St. Brigid, and as director of The Dublin Singers, she presents choral and choreography workshops.

Prior to joining St. Brigid of Kildare, Mrs. Cassidy taught English, music, religion and art for students in junior high school through college. Upon receipt of an invitation by the pastor of St. Brigid, she accepted the position of director of religious education. She considers having the ability to utilize her diverse talents at her post to be particularly rewarding, and credits her success to the unwavering support of her father. Says Mrs. Cassidy: "My father was an excellent musician, a great tenor and a fine conductor. As my teacher, he guided me to higher and higher levels of achievement. As my critic, he led me to excellence."

A graduate of Ohio Dominican University in 2003, Mrs. Cassidy holds a master of arts in theology. She graduated summa cum laude from Silver Lake College in 1975 with a bachelor of arts in English and music and completed post-graduate work in music at Silver Lake College, Penn State University and Kent State University. She is professionally affiliated with the Diocesan Association of Religious Educators, the Ohio Directors of Religious Education Organization, the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, the National Catholic Educational Association, the National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors, the Ohio Choral Directors Association, the American Choral Directors Association and National Pastoral Musicians. In recognition of excellence in her field, Mrs. Cassidy was honored with the Woman of the Year Award by the Knights of Columbus in 2006 and the Religious Education Excellence Award by the National Catholic Educational Association in 1999.

The Catholic education program of St. Brigid of Kildare provides classes for students in preschool through eighth grade, Bible study, youth and young adult ministry, adult education classes and seasonal studies. For additional information, please visit http://www.stbrigidofkildare.org.

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