Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

ORLANDO | Thirteen years ago, Henry Fortier received a call. It was November 2010, and the person on the other line was Sister of St. Joseph Elizabeth Worley, then-chancellor of the Diocese of Orlando. In December 2010, Bishop John Noonan would be installed as the diocese’s next spiritual leader, and he asked Sister Worley to research prospective candidates to become the next superintendent of Catholic schools, which would begin in July 2011. That’s when Sister Worley called Fortier and invited him to apply for the position.

The problem was, Fortier had a job that he loved in New York City with the Archdiocese of New York. Still, he knew he had received the call for a reason.

“Since I was a teenager, I’ve always felt that God, at pivotal times, has called me to things,” Fortier said.

Although he had received two similar invitations to apply for superintendent positions in the Diocese of Palm Beach and the Archdiocese of Miami, he said he felt the greatest call to Orlando.

“When I arrived here, I noticed we had a very challenging morale issue because of academic initiatives that weren’t working,” Fortier recalled, adding that he knew his training as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut, and formation as a Franciscan friar earlier in his life would help him navigate the rough waters.

“I am a Franciscan at heart, and the Franciscan charism is that of hospitality, of welcoming. I think my Franciscan background lent itself really well to the scenario that was needed here,” he continued. “God knew what He was doing when He called me to come here because there was a real need for building community, for lifting people up.”

Through the years Bishop Noonan has witnessed Fortier blossom in his role as Secretary for Education/Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

“Mr. Fortier came to the Diocese of Orlando with a charge to enkindle a deeper faith within the heart of the students who attended our Catholic schools but also within the heart of the community of faith from the youngest to the oldest,” Bishop Noonan said. “[He] helped those whom he encountered acknowledge God’s call and strive to live in His perfection, offering excellence in His love to one another. [He] guided faculty and staff to build a strong, positive faith-filled culture focused on every child created in God’s image.”

In reflecting on his tenure at Orlando's diverse diocese and helping others foster their gifts among his greatest accomplishments. The job faced challenges such as COVID-19 and resistance during rolling out cultural diversity initiatives.

“I drew my strength from what I believe is right in God’s eyes," Fortier stated. "I know that is challenging because people can see it from their lens and use it similarly," adding that Church teachings directed him along with Bishop Noonan's vision amidst difficult times focusing on children's welfare aiding navigation through many storms."

As Orlando's longest-serving superintendent over 13 years evolving into patience appreciation towards God's diverse family witnessing beauty unfold throughout years humbled by accomplishments acknowledging divine intervention driving outcomes beyond personal capabilities gratefulness exuding from this journey while preparing Dr Erika Wikstrom former educator principal diocesan high schools Trinity Ocala Bishop Moore stepping into new role.

Fortier will miss daily encounters calling them family yet peace prevails knowing departure beneficial continuity assured under successor Wikstrom praising her readiness noting relationships evolve change bittersweet departure marked by sadness alongside peace assurance legacy continuation ensured future remains bright driven divine purpose unfolding through leadership transition ahead

By Glenda Meekins Florida Catholic staff June 20 2024