To cheering delight of parents, supports and students the new state-of-the-art gymnasium and center for science and engineering was blessed and dedicated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on Sept. 21, 2024.
Bishop Dewane celebrated Mass before the blessing and dedication, praising the faithful at St. Charles for their sacrifice in helping to make the school project come to fruition. This new building includes a gymnasium, bleachers, and four classrooms which will be utilized as science and robotics labs.
“Know the joy that your generous support provides to so many young people,” Bishop Dewane said. “We remember in prayer those who have sacrificed through the 25 years of this project and all everyone gave to make today possible.”
The new gymnasium and center for science and engineering boasts a full-sized basketball court with bleacher seating, a state-of-the-art sound system and six retractable basketball goals. In addition, there are two ground floor classrooms that will be used for math classes, and two upstairs rooms, one is a fully equipped science lab, and other will be used as a robotics and STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, math) lab.
Bishop Dewane explained how the classrooms are more advanced and will be used to help the young students meet the demands of the world.
“It is the role of Diocesan Catholic schools to prepare students, in conjunction with their parents, for the world mentally, academically, physically, but most importantly spiritually,” Bishop Dewane said. “I am most concerned about the spiritual aspect, and I am grateful to the community for supporting these efforts. Continue to be the doers of your faith for this Parish and this school. You are the blessing for which I come to thank today.”
To the delight of the assembled faithful, following the Mass, each student present for the Mass came forward and stood before the altar to thank everyone. Afterwards, everyone proceeded to the gymnasium for a dedication and blessing prayer service.
During the prayer service, in a symbol of honoring God’s people first, Bishop Dewane used Holy Water to bless the students, parents and supports, and then the building. A reception followed.
Father John Fitch, Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, also thanked everyone for their generosity and patience as the concept for the project dated by more than 25 years. “You made this possible for the children of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School here today and for many years to come. Thank you!”
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School was established in 1960 and is the only Catholic School serving Charlotte County. It serves children from Pre-K through 8th grade and has an enrollment of 344 students.
The School states as its mission: “St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School is a place where every child is spiritually and academically nurtured to their fullest potential, creating lifelong learners who value and live our Catholic Faith.” For more about St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, visit https://www.stcbs.org.
