Not Just A School

On May 17th, Cardinal Sean O'Malley celebrated Mass in the Memorial Gymnasium to mark the conclusion of the year-long celebration of Central Catholic's 75 year history, as noted by Brother Thomas P. Long in Tuesday's Daily Bread. The glow, gratitude and pride of that day will linger for years to come. Indeed, I reminded the seniors that when they celebrate their 25th anniversary of graduation, it will be Central's hundredth birthday. They said they wanted to be here for both celebrations. I told them I will be only 95 and will join them if they agree to push my wheelchair.
On May 18th, 13 members of the class of '48 gathered for lunch as they do quarterly to share memories, Central Spirit and simply to enjoy each other's company. Joining them as an "honorary member" of the class, I remarked that Central is not just a school, it's much more, it's a living organism which brings alumni together periodically to share friendships forged in those high school years, and to renew the vital spirit that helped carry them through long and productive lives. At the Mass on Tuesday, two members of the first graduating class were present, Tim Buckley and Bert Berube, who competently proclaimed the first reading. They were in their glory to be back, and were utterly amazed at seeing what the little school of 50 students studying in a rented building had become. In less than a week and a half alumni of the class of 1961 will celebrate their golden jubilee at the graduation of the class of 2o11. They will receive a spark from these young graduates and from seeing one another that will be another testimony that Central Catholic is not just a school but a template for life, a successful and fruitful Christian life.