SAN ANTONIO • Archbishop José H. Gomez, a staunch supporter of Catholic education, has said, “To ensure a culture of life and peace in our communities tomorrow, we need to cultivate our young people today. We need to give them the academic skills and personal character to be builders and healers rather than takers and consumers. If we give our best to our young people, they will give their best to others.”
    Four new principals in the archdiocese are dedicating themselves to provide leadership for their Catholic school communities.
     They are Richard Arndt, The Atonement Academy; José Luis Muñiz, St. Mary Magdalen School, Edilia Vidal-Rosenthal, St. Joseph School and Paul Wayne Moss Jr., Sacred Heart in Uvalde.

    Arndt brings seven years of elementary and high school administrative experience to his position as principal. He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, a master’s in political science and an A.B.D. in theology. He is the father of five children ranging in ages from 5 to 10 years. Recreational pursuits include hunting, music, literature and playing chess. His favorite sports teams include the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs and the San Antonio Spurs.
    Asked about his beliefs in Catholic education and his role as a Catholic educator, Arndt said, “Catholic education is an essential part of the Church’s mission to the world. That is why the Church teaches that Catholics should support Catholic schools and that parents should send their children ‘whenever and wherever’ it is possible. It is an honor to be a leader in such a noble enterprise.”

    Muñiz retired in 2000 after a highly decorated military career. He received a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico where he was commissioned a second lieutenant and recognized as a distinguished military graduate. Muñiz also holds master’s degrees in management and public administration from Webster University. His leadership and management experience, in addition to those in the military, extended to positions as assistant director for the Center for Drug and Social Policy Research at UTSA; assistant school administrator and senior Army instructor at Richland High School, Birdville Independent School District, North Richland Hills, Texas.     For four months prior to his selection as principal at St. Mary Magdalen, Muñiz served as a volunteer assistant school administrator at St. Leo the Great School. Among his numerous civic and notable accomplishments, Muñiz is a founder and first president for the nationally recognized Coffee Festival held annually in February in Yauco, Puerto Rico. He has been a certified swimming official for the United States Swimming Association in Texas. He and his wife, Nydia Ivette, have four children — Lina, Liza, Lorna and José, and four grandchildren — Kaliana, Isabella and twins Deven and Jaiden. Muñiz and his family have called San Antonio home since 1990.

    Vidal-Rosenthal holds the distinction as principal of a school that is her elementary school alma mater. She is a 1970 graduate of St. Joseph School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in se-condary education (English and music) and currently is working on a master’s degree (reading specialist). Her previous teaching experience includes having taught reading to eighth graders for 15 years and two years as a music teacher and choir director at Harlandale Middle School. She and her husband, Carl, are parents of four children — Lara, Ethan, Lena and Raphael.
    This former public school educator believes “a Catholic school education helps to strengthen a child’s belief in Christ and develop morals and ethics that will lead to a more Christian society. My goal as a Catholic educator is to ensure that children learn that what they are taught about Christ and religion in school should be spread to others in their respective communities.”

    Moss, a 1987 honors graduate of Uvalde High School, is the youngest principal in this group to assume the responsibilities of leadership at Sacred Heart School in Uvalde. His educational credentials include a bachelor’s degree in management from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in education from Schreiner University. He also is a graduate of the Middle Rio Grande Law Enforcement Academy as well as holds a master peace officer certification. Previous positions include those of a teacher at Uvalde and Crystal City high schools and as a firearms and defensive tactics instructor.     Recreational interests include hunting, fishing, coaching and playing all sports. Moss shared his Catholic educational philosophy: “I believe Catholic education gives a student a strong and sound foundation of morals and ethics that are not found in public schools,” he said. “Public schools separate church and state; therefore, prayer and ethical teachings are not a part of their curriculum. As a Catholic educator and principal, my role is to facilitate and help teachers give our students the foundation they need as a vital part of their growth. My goals for the school and students are to enrich them with a safe environment, academic excellence and faith development which will carry on with them for the rest of their lives.”