On May 5, the Blessing and Building Dedication celebrated the culmination of SCA’s capital campaign which enabled St. Catharine Academy to make its first major building update since it came to the Bronx in 1953. The building renovations create a school handicap-accessible regardless of physical disability and more secure for all.
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez ’99, Sister Patricia Vetrano, RSM, Representative of the Sisters of Mercy and Architect Ernest Harris Architects, P.C. were among the dignitaries joining the dedication.
The dedication included a Ribbon Cutting outside the new grand entrance and blessings of a number of locations within the building including the chapel, the STEM lab and Higher Achievement classroom. Guests, including many who were donors to the Capital Campaign for the renovations, had an opportunity to tour the building and gather in the Great Hall to meet with the dignitaries and SCA community.
Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ’62, president of St. Catharine Academy, told the stories of wheelchair bound visitors who had challenges visiting St. Catharine’s in the past. She pointed to an alum who was able to return for reunion this past fall thanks to the new building. Speaking to those gathered, she said, “We could not have done this without you. Today is a celebration of you as much as it is a celebration of St. Catharine Academy. It was the Sisters of Mercy who made the lead gift which was matched by Jack and June Heffernan who unfortunately are not able to be here today. And you, you helped us build from there and complete this $3 million project. From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of the entire St. Catharine Academy community, I thank you.”
Kathleen Muskopf, chair of St. Catharine Academy’s Board of Trustees, gave her sincere thanks for all who contributed to this project. She also took a moment to thank the former chair Kathleen McCarrick Weiden, Ph.D., '75, whose committed leadership and collaboration was critical to achieving a successful capital campaign. She also presented Sr. Pat and Sr. Ann M. Welch with a gift of a portrait of the building with its new entrance.
Sr. Patricia Vetrano RSM, representative of the Sisters of Mercy, spoke of the Sisters of Mercy schools throughout the world. Giving a brief history of the Sisters of Mercy, Sr. Patricia told St. Catharine’s story of being the Sisters of Mercy first Academy in New York and its growth and movement over the years.. “St. Catharine Academy brings ever so many gifts but I believe what makes it stand out so clearly is the unique diversity of this community and all that supports it–the diverse programs offered; the great array of service opportunities and the variety and unique of activities and clubs. there is something special for everyone.”
Isabella Marte ’22, a senior at St. Catharine Academy, spoke on behalf of the Student Body. She talked about how imagining the changes created unity within the St. Catharine community. “The Great Hall serves as a reminder of our victories. This new lobby means unity and the arrival or in my case the conclusion of a new level of education….Let the Great Hall serve as a reminder of the great successes that are yet to come.”
Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez ’99, District 13, said, “I never thought I would be standing here in this capacity.” Talking about the sisterhood of St. Catharine’s she said referring to the students, “You are our future. We are here because of you. We laid the foundation, every class along the way. We are going to continue to succeed.”
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan who blessed those gathered and spoke of the rich tradition of St. Catharine Academy. He said. “I am a Mercy boy. I was raised by Mercy Sisters….Never have I had more creative, innovative, loving, tender, effective teachers than the Sisters of Mercy. For me to be here today, it really does fill my heart.”
He concluded, “In 20, 30 or 40 years, people will look back at us and say ‘I am glad they had the hope and confidence to keep this sacred mission of St. Catharine Academy going’.”
Student Jocelyn S. ‘24, said, “I was honored and thankful to be chosen to represent my school during the Building Dedication and Blessing. Being surrounded by so many people (alumnae and donors) who love and care about St. Catharine’s just as much as I do was heartwarming....This experience gave me an indirect view into my future, as someone who is capable of doing great things just like the students who’ve come before I have. Seeing the support and selflessness of the donors and alumnae of St. Catharine’s was encouraging as well, knowing that they’re all supporting me on my journey through high school.... I hope to emulate the attributes of alumni of SCA and I can’t wait to attend the next assembly as a proud alumna, myself.”
