Where are they now?

What’s a new pastime you found in retirement? 

Taking many sunrise photos at the beach. Retirement allows me to have much greater control over my time and that is definitely a new experience. Having worked in education in the Arlington diocese for 37 years, my personal schedule followed the annual school calendar to the letter. It’s quite different having more control and flexibility over how I spend my time. I’m enjoying this aspect of freedom in retirement, especially time photographing sunrises at the beach in my home state of New Jersey.  

What do you miss most about your old job? 

The amazing people, especially the students and the faculty and staff, and most especially, my pastor and good friend, Father John Kelly. He is such a holy priest, dedicated 100 percent to bringing Christ to his flock through the sacraments. He also has a great sense of humor, which I miss on a daily basis. 

Art Fairweather, former principal of St. John the Evangelist School in Warrenton, retired in June 2016. 

What is your favorite part of retired life?

I love the opportunity to travel and sleep in. Also, I can indulge my military history hobby by creating dioramas of battles throughout history. I am surprised how much I want to do and am almost as busy as when I was working full time.

What is something new you have been able to do in retirement?

I have more time for reading Scripture daily and going to Mass more often. 

I love my parish, St. John the Evangelist in Warrenton. I moved from Maryland to be here and am active in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, where I volunteer in the food pantry and help clients access funding for rent, utilities and food. I still substitute teach in Catholic and public schools.

As I grow older, I realize that the only thing that is important is growing closer to Our Lord and not having material things. I have initiated a new relationship with many of the saints and strengthened my bond with the Blessed Virgin and Christ. Pretty much nothing else really matters.

What do you miss most about your old job? 

I miss the kids more than anything — I knew their names and families and they were so well-behaved. I loved talking about their faith with them and felt Catholic education was so important to their faith formation.

Barbara Dalmut, former principal and 20-year veteran of St. Bernadette School in Springfield, retired in June 2021.

What is your favorite part of retired life?

I have more time to spend with my family and friends, having neglected precious friendships during the last few years. I have been reading constantly. There are so many books that I have wanted to read, and now I have my chance. 

What is something new you have been able to do since you retired?

I have had the privilege of helping to co-lead the St. Bernadette Women’s Group. We have found ways to get together to build a smaller community within our large parish. It has been a busy year, with leading a book study, joining the Walking with Purpose program, and participating in the Knitting/Crochet Club. I have also taught a baptism class and helped to facilitate a Bible study at Good Shepherd Church. Without the school schedule, I am able to take time for weekly commitments.

What do you miss most about your old job?

My time in Catholic schools taught me that one person can make a big difference in others’ lives. I enjoyed my role as spiritual leader of the school, and treasure the memories of those people who welcomed me into their families. I love their stories and sharing their challenges and successes. 

I tried to retire in 2015, but returned to the diocese as principal of St. Bernadette’s in 2017. Those next four years were intense and fulfilling. This second attempt at retirement taught me to take time to plan my days and look for opportunities to connect with other people. I serve on two boards — Bishop Ireton High School board of governors, and the Sliding Doors STEM & Dyslexia Learning Center. Finding an outlet for my experience makes retirement much more fulfilling.

I miss the wonderful men and women that I worked with as a teacher and principal. The Arlington diocese has amazing leadership and I was honored to be working with such dedicated educators. I miss the problem-solving and relationship-building that was the core of our work. I loved the school communities and miss seeing my students and their parents each day. It is a very strange dynamic to be totally immersed in a community, and then be separated. We stay united in prayer. 

Would you like to add anything else?

Education is the answer to many of our social problems in our country today. The church can be helpful in helping people to heal after all the isolation of the past two years. I will continue to look for ways to contribute to our community.

Mary Beth Pittman, former principal of Our Lady of Hope School in Potomac Falls, retired in June 2021.

What is something from your time working in Catholic schools that you have taken with you into retirement?

I like the sense of service to others that Catholic schools instill in the students and staff. I look forward to opportunities to serve within my parish and other community organizations.

At my parish, Our Lady of Hope, I currently teach a religious education class this year and am on a rotating monthly team to help count the weekly collections.

What is something new you have been able to do since you retired?

I have always had an interest in the weather. For Christmas, I received an outdoor weather station and am looking forward to using it. I also plan to plant a small vegetable garden in the spring.