Bishop Dennis Sullivan made a special visit to St. Mary School on Wednesday, Sept. 7th. Mr. Steven P. Hogan, the principal at St. Mary School was elated by what transpired, “It’s almost like having the pope visiting the school. The kids were thrilled…” Bishop Sullivan greeted the students as they arrived by bus and by car and a prayer service with all 300 students followed. The Bishop’s visit validates his support of St. Mary School and all parochial schools. His message to the students, faculty, staff and parents, “I’m here to welcome the children and to bring my office and myself here as a sign to this community, and to this school, and to this parish how important Catholic education is,” demonstrates his commitment to the Diocese of Camden’s three goals of “Forming Minds and Hearts In Grace: A Plan For Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Camden,” a document that outlines the importance of Catholic schooling in South Jersey and the Diocese’s plan to preserve and grow it.
The student body surprised Bishop Sullivan with a special gift at the end of the prayer service by singing an Irish ballad near and dear to him entitled, “Wild Mountain Thyme“. Bishop Sullivan then visited each classroom individually to talk with the students. Bishop Sullivan was so moved by his visit that on Thursday, Sept. 8th he sent seven sheet cakes to the school in celebration of our Blessed Mother’s birthday and as a thank you for the beautiful service.
Other guest in attendance included: Fr. Robert Sinatra, Pastor and Fr. Francis Kim Parochial Vicar of St. Padre Pio Parish; Fr. Paul Olszewski, Pastor and Deacon Russell Davis of The Parish of All Saints; Ms. Mary Boyle, Superintendent of Catholic Schools; and Fr. Michael Romano of the Diocese of Camden; Mrs. Celeste Lombardi, PTA President; Mr. Mark D’Onofrio, School Board Chair and Mrs. Debbie Franceschini, School Board Vice Chair.
St. Mary School is happy to have hosted Bishop Sullivan and all their guests the first week of school and looks forward to another exciting year.
For more information contact:
Mrs. Carol Kirchman, Advancement Director
856-692-8537 x 324 / [email protected]
