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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, January 10, 2013 · 12 Bishop bestows official blessing on St. Mary's By Dominik Kurek OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Bishop Douglas Crosby of the Diocese of Hamilton blessed the new St. Mary Catholic Elementary School, and its students, staff and community just before the holiday break. Opened last September, the school celebrated its official blessing and dedication with a gymnasium packed with students, parents, staff and dignitaries. "Mary was the mother of Jesus. So you know that Jesus loves her and she loves him. So you know Jesus is going to look down on the school and love this school very much because it's named after his mother," Crosby told students at the ceremony. "Not only is He going to bless the school, He's going to bless every single one of you. We pray that He will keep you safe and happy every day that you come to school here. And God will bless you with intelligence and wisdom and knowledge and all those wonderful gifts that you will learn during your days at school here." During the ceremony, the bishop blessed students, parents and classroom crucifixes. The school choir performed and Grade 8 student Brandon Francoeur received the school key from architect Doug Snyder and contractor Ted Postma. "Building the building was the easy part. Building that community is the hard part and that's the work that you are doing each and every day," said Michael Pautler, Halton Catholic District School Board education director. Pautler said parents, parishes, staff and especially students, play a crucial role. "What you are doing is building a community that all of the rest of the Town of Oakville, that all the rest of the Region of Halton, that all the rest of the province of Ontario and all of the world, can look at and see as a model for the way we are intended to live and learn and love and work together," Pautler said. Students also heard from a number of other dignitaries, including school board chair Diane Rabenda, Mayor Rob Burton, Regional Chair Gary Carr, school principal Carol Hryhorsky -- and Ontario Education Minister Laurel Broten. "It is always a pleasure to be part of an opening of a new school because along with it forms a new school community," said the minister. Broten told the gathering that schools are more than just buildings. "They're the home of activities, of programs for everyone, they give communities a safe and healthy place to come together. I can tell you that spending a few moments with you here this morning, I can see and feel and hear the community in this school," she said. "This building is built by bricks and mortar but it will be held together for many years and years to come by the experience of everyone who works, learns and plays within the walls." JAMES HOGGETT / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER / @halton_photog blessing st. mary's: St. Mary Catholic Elementary School celebrated its official blessing and dedication in December. Officiating at the ceremony was Bishop Douglas Crosby, seen here blessing students and guests. now for Register FREE JANUARY Furniture Sale $999 for 9 Zerona treatments including a nutrition and wellness consultation from Zerona Canada ($2,900 value) 66 off % ACTIVE WagJag ACTIVE WagJag 75% off 57% off Brought to you by $19 for 5 yoga classes at Orange Lotus Yoga & Wellness ($75 value) or $29 for 10 classes 63% off 55% off $89 for painting of 1 room, up to 300 sq. ft. with 1 gallon of Sherwin Williams paint from Interiors Plus Decorating ($240 value) Other options ACTIVE WagJag $15 for $35 towards refill services or Island Ink-Jet branded printer ink and toner cartridges from Island Ink-Jet ACTIVE WagJag $29 for a 30min shellac manicure and 45-min pedicure from Michelle's Everlasting Beauty ($65 value) It's Worth The Drive To Acton Acton 49 Eastern Ave. 519-853-1031 www.hidehouse.ca Mon.-Sun. 10am - 6pm Fri. 10am - 8pm HAVE QUESTIONS? CALL 1-855-4WAGJAG