SMG Appoints a New Director of Religious Education
and School Principal

It is with a great deal of pleasure and gratitude that I am able to announce the appointment of Mr. Gerald Chenski as Director of Religious Education for our parish and Doctor Kathleen Mary Benton as the new Principal of our parish elementary school.

Mr. Chenski has been involved in Religious Formation for over 20 years. He has served as a Youth Minister in Divine Infant Parish, a Campus Minister and Director of Retreats for Resurrection High School and finally as Director of Religious Education for Saint Damian Catholic Church in Oak Forest. In his last position, he directed a program of over 500 students and 70 volunteer catechists. His emphasis has been on the family approach to religious education.

 Doctor Benton has vast experience in the area of education. Her personal preparation includes a BA in Education; a MS in Ed in both the Foundations of Education and Educational Administration; and, finally an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction all from Northern Illinois University. She has been a Language Arts Teacher in Middle School; a high school English Teacher; an Assistant Principal for Staff Services, Curriculum and Instruction; and, finally a college Professor. Presently, she serves as Vice Principal of the Plainfield Community Consolidated School District High School and simultaneously Principal of the Middle School in the same district. One of nine children, Doctor Benton was immersed in Catholic Education for all her elementary years as well as her high school years at Mother McCauley High School where she actually worked in both the school and convent.

And while we welcome our new staff members we want to thank Mrs. Betty Bentley and Mrs. Dolores Mielzynski for their years of service to our parish and school.

Mrs. Betty Bentley has served admirably as Religious Director for more than 12 years and is now moving on to a new situation in her life and the life of her family. I can never say enough to express the gratitude of the parish for her ministry.

Mrs. Dolores Mielzynski has served as Principal of our school for 12 years with great dedication and loyalty to the parish. Mrs. Mielzynski’s time as principal saw the introduction of many educational improvements especially in the area of technology. We continue to be grateful to her and wish her a long and fulfilling retirement.

We thank those who served on both of the search committees for their time spent reviewing and interviewing all of the candidates. And also Father John Belmonte in a special way for all his personal help.

We welcome Mr. Chenski and Dr. Benton and look forward to many exciting years of continuing formation in our parish and school!