Rounding out Catholic Schools Week 2023, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach, received Letters of Affiliation (AFSC) on January 31, 2023, at St. John Paul II Academy during a liturgy celebrating the 47th anniversary of his ordination as a priest. Bishop Barbarito has served the Diocese of Palm Beach since 2003, advocating for expanded, accessible quality Catholic education. He has had Lasallian ties serving in Catholic education over the years. Being both ordained a priest and appointed auxiliary bishop of Brooklyn, New York, he grew acquainted with the Christian Brothers, working across the street from Bishop Loughlin High School for many years.
Affiliation is a formal recognition and acknowledgement extended by the Institute to those persons who have supported the Brothers in their work, not only through outstanding gifts and services, but also through their professional, personal and fraternal relationship with them. In presenting to them Letters of Affiliation, the Brothers welcome and celebrate affiliates as honorary members of the Institute.