CNBNews

Media release

PHOTO: Marie Tedesco and family

GLOUCESTER CITY: On Sunday, February 22,  St. Mary School celebrated its first annual Communion Breakfast. The turnout was tremendous with over 400 people in attendance. St. Mary School is celebrating its 150^th Anniversary and has the distinction of being the first and oldest Catholic Elementary School in South Jersey.

The Communion Breakfast started off with Mass and was followed by a very distinguished speaker, Dr. Patrick Harker, President of the University of Delaware. 

PHOTO: Dr. Harker and family click to enlarge

Dr. Harker is a graduate of SMS Class of 1973. Dr. Harker spoke about the opportunities provided to him and the countless others who attended St. Mary School.

Joseph Rafferty, Superintendent of Mt. Ephraim School District and a graduate of the Class of 1975 was the master of ceremonies for the event. Mr. Rafferty had the pleasure of honoring The Dominican Sisters of Hope for their 150 years of dedication to St. Mary School. 

PHOTO: Rafferty Family

Mr. Rafferty also honored Mrs. Marie Tedesco (Klaus), Class of 1928 and Mr. Andy Nolan, Class of 1934 as senior members of the graduating classes of SMS. Mrs. Tedesco is a member of St. Mary’s Parish and resides in Gloucester.

Mr. Andy Nolan resides in Connecticut and we were very fortunate that he was able to attend. 

PHOTO: Andy Nolan and Pat Nolan Sampson click to enlarge

The Rafferty family was honored as a “Legacy Family” of St. Mary School. In attendance was Joe Rafferty – Class of 1975, Mary Francis (Rafferty) – Class of 1976, Annie Peeke(Rafferty)- Class of 1972, Katie Narducci(Rafferty)- Class of 1971, and James Rafferty – Class of 1963

At the conclusion of the ceremony Mr. Rafferty gave a very inspirational speech regarding the “fundraising campaign” that was kicked off during the Communion Breakfast.

PHOTO: Rafferty, Nolan, and Sherrer Families

To honor the Dominican Sisters of Hope a fund was created. The Dominican Sister of Hope Education Fund will be used promote the education of the children of St. Mary’s School. Dr. Patrick Harker and his family generously kicked off the campaign with a donation of $5000.

Anyone wishing to contribute the Domincan Sisters of Hope Fund please send your donation to St. Mary School, 340 Cumberland Street, Gloucester City NJ 08030. PHOTO: The Domincan Sisters