The expanded building received an official blessing and dedication on Wednesday, November 9
Cardinal Egan blesses the new St. Raymond facilities.
Msgr. John Graham and Cardinal Egan visit with the Class of 2012.
11/9/11 – Bronx, NY – The newly completed state of the art, 14,000 square foot building addition to St. Raymond High School for Boys has been in use since the first day of school on September 9. The blessing, dedication and recognition of donors took place on Wednesday, November 9 with a special visit from His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Egan.
Over the past three years, St. Raymond Parish and St. Raymond High School for Boys have worked with the Archdiocese of New York, making plans and raising funds for this much needed addition. The former Con Edison building that has served as St. Raymond High School for Boys since 1960 is now enhanced by the addition of a wonderful new facility for learning and the arts.
Br. Daniel Gardner, FSC, Principal of St. Raymond High School for Boys welcomed alumni, local church and school officials, faculty, students and donors with a few words about the progress being made at St. Raymond. This year’s school theme of Excellence reinforces the goals and Lasallian mission of the school during its 51st year in educating young men in the Bronx. Thanks to the renovations and technology advances, “We’re now in a position to provide a 21st century Catholic education to the young men of the Bronx,” said Br. Daniel.
The Pastor of St. Raymond Church, Msgr. John Graham, introduced His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Egan, former Archbishop of New York, thanking him for visiting the school. Cardinal Egan served as Archbishop when this project began and for him to witness the completion of the largest construction project in the diocese in recent years was truly a blessing.
After the formal blessing was completed in the school’s new lobby, guests were invited to follow the Cardinal around the new wing as he blessed individual rooms. First, the Cardinal visited the newly dedicated Alumni Association library. He then blessed the new music classroom that features a performance area and 20 new keyboards. The school choir performed a piece that they are preparing for a Christmas concert in December.
Cardinal Egan then spent some time in one of the school’s new computer labs, complete with 33 new HP computers. He finished his tour of the new building by blessing the two centerpieces of the second floor – the art studio and senior guidance center. The Cardinal and guests were able to view the art club working on multimedia projects, drawing and creating origami Ravens. While in the guidance center, Cardinal Egan discussed the college searching and application process with a number of St. Raymond seniors.
All guests convened in the second floor lobby after the blessing for a welcoming reception. Cardinal Egan then offered a toast, saying “I don’t know what’s next on the St. Raymond horizon, but count me in.” More than 125 supporters of St. Raymond High School for Boys mission joined in this toast and celebration.
The new building blessing marks the close of a 50th Anniversary celebration for the school that included a Mass, fundraising Gala, community service day, family dinner and other special events. The 50th anniversary fundraising campaign Celebrate the Past, Rejoice the Present, Plan the Future has enabled the school to thus far raise $1.5 million of a $1.75 million goal. The school will continue to fundraise throughout the school year to reach this goal, and add more names of supporters to the brand new Wall of Giving.