SUN PRAIRIE — On a hot late August day, in the midst of a pandemic, dozens of masked people gathered outside the new entrance of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary School in Sun Prairie to celebrate a great accomplishment in the midst of hardship.
“I think we are a community that is beyond blessed today with all that has happened in our world, the challenges we are all facing,” said Principal Kimberlee Frederick while standing before the small crowd as they tried to stay cool in the shade of awnings. “To be able to be here, to be able to be celebrating this beautiful building, celebrating Catholic education, celebrating the tradition that is Sacred Heart, is beyond a great gift to us.”
Beside her were Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison and priests Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt, the recently retired pastor of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish; Fr. Thomas Kelley, the new pastor; Fr. Lawrence Oparaji, parochial vicar; and Msgr. Donn Heiar, pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish in Sun Prairie.
The project
The beautiful two-story brick and stone addition to the school that they stood before had taken about three years to plan and build, but had been discussed for decades.
“I’m beginning my 17th year here at Sacred Heart, and this has been a conversation since the time I arrived,” said Frederick. “We knew we needed the space.”
Prior to this building project, the K through eighth grade school was composed of four different buildings, including a trailer used for music and art.
The events
The late afternoon events began with Frederick giving Bishop Hying and a handful of others a tour of the new facility.
The school includes three floors of classrooms: the lower level, ground level, and upper level. Some of the new artwork on the walls were discussed as well as what the school has been doing to prepare the classrooms for socially distanced, safe learning. They also discussed some of the security features the building now had and how excited the kids were about the elevator.
After the tour, the bishop, priests, and principal came aside to speak to the small crowd that had gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Principal Frederick spoke first.
“There are so many people who are here who got us to this moment,” she said. “I am honored. I am humbled. We have worked with amazing people throughout this project.”
Monsignor Moellenberndt then spoke, speaking of the parish’s and school’s past as well as its future. He thanked the bishop for granting approval of the project and for all his support. He also thanked Superintendent of Catholic Schools Michael Lancaster and Diocesan Chief Financial Officer John Phillipp who worked with them for many months.
“Despite the pandemic, the funds for this school project have been given because of the deep commitment of so many to the Catholic faith,” said Monsignor Moellenberndt. “Future generations will indeed know that this generation truly cares for our faith and the young people entrusted to us.”
When it was Bishop Hying’s turn to speak, he commented, “I looked at the project even before I was officially installed as bishop, and I thought ‘Well, that was easy. Maybe every decision I make may be that easy.'”
The bishop described the project as the “unification of a vision, a need, and resources. And the vision is certainly the formation of our beautiful young people as disciples of the Lord Jesus.”
He then led everyone in prayer before blessing the new addition with holy water.
“Heavenly Father, we ask that you pour forth your blessings upon us and upon this school addition,” he said. “On Sacred Hearts parish and school, that this building which will contain, for so many years to come, our greatest treasure, our children informed as your beloved children and your disciples. May it always stand strong as a place of faith, of prayer, where our children learn to love you, to know you, and to serve you.”
After the blessing, the principal said a few more words of thanks to everyone involved, and the ribbon was cut.