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thea VOL. 47, NO.47 • Friday, December 12, 2003
FALL RIVER, MASS.
Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year
Charities Appeal leaders mull results and strategies
WORKERS ATOP the new St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth prepare for the scheduled February 2004 completion date. (AnchodJolivet photo)
Dream of Cape Cod school rapidly becoming a reality By
DAVE Jc:iLIVET EDITOR
FALL RIVER - Although it "We learn a great deal about the will be several months until the fa- initiatives taken at the parish level," miliar posters with the large red and Donly noted. blue hearts are displayed throughThere are many "success stoout.the Fall River diocese, officials ries" among the 100 parishes ofthe of the annual Catholic Charities diocese. - Appeal have already begun strateFather David A. Costa has gies for the campaign to be served as pastor of the Sacred Heart Parish in North Attleboro for three launched in May 2004. "Naturally, we anticipate draw- Appeals and now is ministering in ing from the enthusiasm 'generated , his fourth year along the northern by the celebration of our Diocesan border of the diocese. '. Asked about the process which Centennial," reported Msgr. Thomas J. Harrington, director of the has translated into significant inAppeal. At the central office, creases in the returns registered by Michael J. Donly, diocesan direc- his parish during the past three tor of Development,has been por- years, Father Costa acknowledged ing over reports submitted by the the generosity of parishioners. "We individual parishes with data and really try to tell of the need," he reobservations relating to last year's ported. "The printed material is of record-setting Appeal. Tum to page 13 - Strategies
The Anchor. "We're right on schedule." Echoing Msgr. Smith's excitement was St,. Pius SOUTH YARMOUTH - When then Bishop X Principal Patricia Marmen. ~'It's such a thrill to of Fall River Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap., had a sur- be involved with this project from the ground vey conducted about Catholic education on Cape floor," said Marmen. "I've been involved in CathoCod, the idea of a state-of-the-art school complex lic education for many years, but this is the first in the heart of the mid-Cape area was remote at time I've had the opportunity to be part of the building and opening of a Catholic school." best. The diocesan Education Office hired Marmen Now, nearly five years later, "it is no longer a dream but a reality," said Msgr. John J. Smith, pas- as principal last June, brining her O\.l.t of retirement. tor of St. Pius X Parish and overseer of the school "This is such a new venture for me," she told The project. "I am happy to know that this school will Anchor. '~Jt's about the only thing I hadn't done in be a place where children will not only get a good Catholic education. It's so exciting to work from education, but will also learn that Christ is the cen- the beginning and see it culminate, even having a hand in choosing interior design colors, wiring ter of the Church." Construction of the new school began last March placement and the selection of computer software." Marmen has served as a principal for ,17 of the and completion is slated for February 2004, with the doors offieially opening in September 2004. 24 years she's spent in Catholic ed~cation. '''Pat "Everyone involved has done a tremendous job," was chosen because of her academic background','. added Msgr. Smith during a recent interview with longevity in Catholic school systems, and herprin": ·:ii~~.';;'BISHOP GEORGE W. Coleman accepts a scroll from a cipal ships," said Msgr. Smith. "Both SuperintenHoly Family-Holy Name School, New Bedford, student dur, dent of. ,Schools George Milot and myself knew ing ceremonies marki!1g the 50th anniversary of the consewe needed her, experience to'start a new"school." aation of St. Lawrence Martyr Church in that city. The scroll , ;Next fall, St. Rius X'School will welCome stucontained a prayer of rededication. dents in grades pre-kindergarten through gradefour. "The plan is to subsequently add one grade per year up to eighth-grade," said Marmen. The school has already received applications for prospective students and parent information nights are scheduled for January arid February. "Not long after that we'll screen the applicants afld begin sending out acceptance letters," said Marmen. Interviews for the new faculty positions will also begin in January. According to Msgr. Smith and Marmen, all teachers must be fully certified in the area they will be teaching. The curriculum will meet the standards of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as those THESE MANNEQUINS, wearing a of the Diocese of Fall River. "And what's most' sample uniform, sit in St. Pius X rectory pa- important is that every subject taught will be pertiently waiting for school to open. (Anchod meated with Christian values," said Msgr. Smith. JoIivet photo) Tum to page 13 - School