Seventeen Catholic elementary schools in the Allentown Diocese will begin the 1981-82 school year with new principals.

Among them are Sr. Mary Dolora, LSC, St. Michael School, Lansford; Sr. Mary Patrizia, IHM, St. Ann School, Lansford; and Sr. Sean Francis, OSF, SS. Peter and Paul School, Lehighton.

The sisters are appointed by their respective religious communities. There are 15 communities of sisters teaching in the 70 elementary schools within the diocese.

The new chairperson from Region 2, which consists of schools that feed Marian Catholic High School, Hometown, is Sr. Marie Melanie, RSM, St. Joseph, Summit Hill.