Almost 97 years to the date St. Rocco Parish School was founded, the ribbon dropped on the newest chapter of its history.
On Sept. 7, the school community celebrated the ribbon-cutting and blessing of its brand new, contemporary school building, cafeteria and gymnasium.
“As I stand here today, this is a dream come true,” said Renee Cerny, St. Rocco principal. “A few years ago, Father James (Mayer, O de M, St. Rocco Parish pastor) and I were looking at making difficult decisions about the school.”
The school was in jeopardy at that time because of deteriorating facilities and declining enrollment. But Cerny noted the current situation is a testament to what can happen when a community, rooted in faith, rallies together for the common good of a parish and neighborhood.
“Whenever I'm in serious need, I pray the prayer to the Infant of Prague. ‘Oh Jesus, who said, ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you … I knock, I seek and I ask that my prayer be granted.’ The next thing I know, the Jeckering family comes and visits me,” said Father Mayer. “You’re an answer to my prayers.”
Through the generosity of Thomas Jeckering, a Northeast Ohio native dedicated to supporting the mission of Catholic education, and countless St. Rocco Parishioners, St. Rocco School literally has a new foundation upon which to stand.
“We are especially grateful to Thomas Jeckering and his family who are here. Thank you for honoring us with your presence today and for your support of St. Rocco so that we are able to celebrate this new edifice, this great institution of learning,” said Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost, on behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.
Frank O’Linn, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, State Rep. Sean Brennan and approximately 150 students, teachers, parents and parishioners were on hand to witness the milestone and to tour the newly christened school.
St. Rocco School welcomes 175 students this fall. These children, along with St. Rocco’s faculty and staff, are the true reasons for celebration, the dignitaries noted.
“We come together not just to bless a new school building, but to ask God's blessing upon the teachers, the staff and the students who will be a part of this academic community … to help them enter more deeply into God's gracious presence revealed in the midst of this learning community today,” Bishop Woost added.
Click here to learn more about St. Rocco School.