Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
Bishop blesses Holy Cross School addition
Bishop John M. D’Arcy scored big in the free throw contest at Holy Cross School in South Bend, not necessarily on the scoreboard but with the exuberance of the students, teachers and alumni in attendance at the blessing and dedication of the addition. The floor of the new gym was donated by the University of Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team and is the same floor on which the team won the 2001 National Championship. (Photo by Joe Kozinski)
By Joe Kozinski
SOUTH BEND — As students lined the new hallways, offices, gym and art room, Bishop John M. D’Arcy traversed a new path that would bring knowledge and intellectual substance to many generations of Holy Cross students here.
The spacious expansion was officially opened as Bishop D’Arcy blessed the scholastic institution with the help of some well prepared students and some local dignitaries.
“For the kids the excitement really is focused on the new gym,” commented Angela Budzinski the principal. “But centralizing and giving prominence to our library, renovating our computer lab and the expansive area for art and music will give our students the ability to explore new horizons.”
The new addition almost doubled the square footage of the school that was built in 1929 to serve Holy Cross and St. Stanislaus parishes.
“To me its still a wonderful dream that hasn’t set in yet,” explained an emotional Holy Cross Father Mike Mathews, pastor of Holy Cross Parish. “The $2.7 million dollar project that added 32,000 square feet took work from all of us.
“This project reminds me of the stone soup fable with all of our community putting in a little here and a little there into the pot of water to create this outstanding facility,” Father Mathews added. “Our central focus was always on the kids and because we succeeded in our objective, it’s emotional.”
The institution has been a source of pride and inspiration for many who have passed through her hallways.
“Listen to the building, catch the spirit and knowledge that is Holy Cross,” said Jim Schellinger, gubernatorial candidate and class of 1974 graduate, as he addressed those in attendance. “This is the place where I first learned the importance of service to others.”
Though new offices, the refurbished cafeteria and auditorium were welcomed and much needed, the cornerstone of the entire project was not the gym, but the floor of the gym.
“The last time I was standing on this floor, was in 2001 in St. Louis and we had just won the National Championship,” explained Muffet McGraw, head coach of the University of Notre Dame women’s basketball team. “I hope that the students of Holy Cross have as much luck on this floor as we did.”
“The floor that Notre Dame won their national title was shipped here to South Bend and lied in waiting for a special place,” commented Father Mathews. “I worked with the President’s Office at Notre Dame and the builders so that we could give the championship floor a proper home.”
While Bishop D’Arcy took time to absorb the new surrounding and see the gleam in the eyes of 350 students that are directly benefiting from the project, he reflected.
“Every day ask Jesus Christ for the power to be good,” remarked Bishop D’Arcy. “Ask him to find your true vocation, whether it be to be a teacher, priest, business person, doctor or an architect.
“Keep your heart close to Christ,” Bishop D’Arcy added, “Keep your hearts pure and use these remarkable facilities to serve one another in a positive way, a way in which Jesus would serve.”
The big standing ovation was saved for a champion on the championship floor, for Catholic Schools Week the humble hero of the day was Father Mathews, he just stood for a minute holding back tears as the roar of the filled gym praised his team’s efforts.
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