Sights & Sounds: Cardinal Tobin blesses relocated Sacred Heart School
On September 4, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., visited Sacred Heart School in Jersey City, which has relocated to Saint Paul the Apostle Parish.
Students, parents, staff, and members of the parish community greeted the cardinal outside the renovated school building, singing hymns, and listening to a reading from the Gospel of Mark.
In his reflection, Cardinal Tobin emphasized how Jesus instructed the adults of his time not to “stand in the way” of the children who sought him out. He thanked the community of St. Paul’s, the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Schools, and local leaders for their efforts to get the new school building ready and “help these children reach this point.”
Blessings and memories
The service continued as Cardinal Tobin led a procession into the school, blessing the classrooms, gym, and main office with holy water. Cardinal Tobin later told Jersey Catholic that as he entered the classrooms, his own experiences as a Catholic School student in Detroit came flooding back to him.
Some alumni from the old Saint Paul’s School, which once occupied the building, returned to celebrate the return of Catholic education inside its walls. They were joined by many current parishioners of Saint Paul the Apostle who expressed their enthusiasm. “We’re thrilled to have a school here again,” said one parishioner, Margaret. She added that having a school at the parish again had long been a dream of the pastor, Fr. Joseph Furnaguera.
A new beginning
Plans for the relocation began a few years ago. The transition team had just over two months to carry out the needed renovations of the space that had previously been occupied by a charter school, according to Michele Link, the new Principal of Sacred Heart School at St. Paul’s. Changes included rewiring for improved internet connectivity, redoing floors, painting, and other improvements. “Parents have told me how amazed and appreciative they were at all the work we’ve done,” Link said. “I’m looking forward to a great year at Sacred Heart’s new location.”
Barbara Dolan, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Newark, said that the support of the community of Saint Paul’s had been a great blessing. “As I walked through the building today, talking to staff members, I was moved by their happiness in being at this new location, and how they are ready to start anew, bringing with them the rich tradition that Sacred Heart School represents to this community.”
“It was especially beautiful to see the students gathered outside the school in the middle of a city block, praying together,” Dolan said. “That’s what Catholic schools are all about.”
To view more images of the blessing of Sacred Heart School at St. Paul’s, click HERE.
Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.
Featured image: Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., blesses the newly relocated Sacred Heart School at St. Paul’s. (Photos by John Touhey and Shania Mosquera / Archdiocese of Newark)
