By Katie Beckmann, Communications Manager
This week’s “Embracing Faith” article will focus on Embracing Faith through Community.
Two weeks ago, the Saint Nicholas of Tolentine community came together to bid farewell to Tolentine Grammar School.
Earlier this year, the Office of the Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York announced that Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Grammar School and six other Catholic schools would close at the end of the 2018-2019 academic year.
Throughout the past few months, former Tolentine students have expressed their sadness at the news of the closure on social media and other online networks.
It was through social media, a Facebook group called “Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish and School BRONX NY” with over 1800 members that sparked the idea of coming together to honor the school where many of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, have ministered throughout the years.
On June 15th, nearly 300 alumni, family, and friends attended an Open House, Benediction, and Mass at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine.
Sisters Maggie McDermott and Rose Ellen Gorman were both in attendance for these events.
“Saturday, June 15th, was an event to remember,” shared Sister Maggie.
Sister Maggie opened up the Grammar School on University Avenue early in the day to give former students a tour of the school.
During the tour, Sister Maggie could feel the bond that alumni have with their former school
“In each room, they relived what happened there when they were students. I could see they were very emotional.”
After the tour, those in attendance watched Tolentine Pastor, Father Louie give a final blessing of the Grammar School and saw the doors close for the final time.
Shortly after, attendees headed to the Church for a beautiful liturgy.
As Executive Director for the Tolentine Zeiser CLC, Sister Maggie was truly touched by those who came to these events and had expressed their love of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Grammar School and the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York.
“It was a great tribute to my religious community, and I was thrilled to be part of it."
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