The principal of a Catholic school has apologized to parents for putting a photo of Oscar host and world's famousest lesbian Ellen DeGeneres on an invitation to an Oscars-themed eighth grade graduation dance.

Although Nancy Matteo, principal of St. Andrew Elementary School in Newtown, Penn., didn't explicitly mention Degeneres' sexual orientation, she wrote in an email to parents that it was "completely wrong" to feature Degeneres on the invitation because she "lives her life outside the teachings of the Catholic Church."

Matteo wrote that she was "obviously NOT thinking" when she approved the use of DeGeneres' photo, adding "perhaps I was distracted by the Oscar."

"A role model, as defined by Webster's Dictionary, is a person who is unusually effective or inspiring in some social role, job, position, etc. This does not describe her at all. We work so hard to be good role models and then I go and do something stupid!"

She also demanded that students return the invitations so she can "personally destroy them" before new ones are issued.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia stood by the recall, saying, "It is expected that any promotional materials developed by these schools would feature images and themes that correspond with their core mission and identity. That approach is logical and our school families have a right to expect it."

Good point. Ellen's never done anything for Catholic schools. St. Andrew should probably have picked a different Oscar host for its invitation, a strong role model who aligns with its mission and identity. Someone like vocal atheist and Cosmos producer Seth "We Saw Your Boobs" MacFarlane.

[Photo: Philly.com]