SAINT BARTHOLOMEW CATHOLIC CHURCH

6902 River Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20817

Tel 301-229-7933 ♦ Fax 301-229-7998

Office of the Pastor

March 28, 2018

Dear Saint Bartholomew Parish and School Community:

Today, I am writing to update you on our search for a permanent principal.  As you are aware, Mr. Frank English was appointed our interim principal last June. I am most thankful for and have been impressed with Mr. English's leadership, devotion to our school children, and his witness to our faith through these past months.  

Earlier this month, after consulting with the Catholic Schools Office, the principal position at our school was advertised locally and nationally. We received several applications including an application from Mr. English for the position of permanent principal.   Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools Wendy Anderson and I reviewed each application. We agreed that Mr. English's strong application was the only one that warranted an invitation to an interview with the Archdiocese of Washington's Catholic Schools Superintendent Mr. Bill Ryan.

Mr. Ryan and I interviewed Mr. English last week. Mr. English's interview confirmed for us that he is the right person to lead our school into our promising future.  The parish's Finance Council is also very supportive of this decision. Therefore, it is with great joy that I announce that Mr. English was offered and has accepted the permanent principal position for Saint Bartholomew for the coming academic year.

Mr. English has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from St. Francis College, and a Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Trinity University.  Additionally, he holds an advanced certificate of study for Education Administration from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Before coming to St. Bartholomew School, Mr. English was the Assistant Principal at Our Lady of Mercy in Potomac, Maryland. As well as being a long-time counselor and teacher at the school. During his tenure at Our Lady of Mercy he held teaching positions as Religion and Social Studies Chairperson, Eighth Grade Homeroom Teacher, Seventh and Eighth Grade Religion and Social Studies Teacher and Middle School Counselor.

When asked why he wanted to serve our church as a leader of a Catholic school, Mr. English stated, "I have been given the gift of faith. I was raised by my parents to be a Catholic, was brought up and educated in Catholic schools, and decided when I was young to pursue an occupation as a Catholic school teacher. To serve the Church is to put what I believe into action. I believe that part of being a member of the Catholic Church is evangelization. What better way to evangelize than to teach for the Catholic Church. To bring and teach our faith to our students builds our Church, spreads the Gospel message, and makes the world a better place. We are building upon the foundation passed on by our teachers that goes back to the Apostles. We are growing the Kingdom of God on earth; that is why I am interested in serving the Church."

Please join me in congratulating Mr. English on his new position. I have every confidence and expectation that our school community will continue to move forward under his leadership.  Your ongoing support of St. Bartholomew School and for Mr. English will be critical to fulfilling our mission to our children and our parish.

Wishing you all a most blessed and happy Easter!

Sincerely in Christ,

Reverend Mark D. Knestout

Reverend Mark D. Knestout