Sept. 17, 2014 By Father William Muench “It is so terrible; I can’t believe that this happened.” “What can I do to help; what do you need; can I make a donation.” “St. Mary’s is such a great school; St. Mary’s School is an important part of our community.” As you know, late on a recent Friday night there was a devastating fire at St. Mary’s School in Ticonderoga. The fire left St. Mary’s School a complete wreck; very little can be saved. I traveled up to visit the sight and it was heartbreaking. I felt so badly for Sister Sharon Dalton, who has been principal at St. Mary’s for 30 years. In many ways, it was her building – she had watched so many young people move from Kindergarten to 8th grade. She had watched as they moved on to Ticonderoga High School and had to be proud as they reached graduation and moved on to college. Obviously, the important thing was the students who studied and graduated from this building but the building had to be special to her. I was deeply impressed when they told me of the many, many who had come forward to offer services and help to St. Mary’s so that school could continue for this year’s students. These students from pre-K to eighth grade had just begun this year’s school year just two days before. Several groups in the village offered space for class rooms. After looking them over, Sister Sharon accepted the invitation of the Methodist Church for some of the grades. I was so impressed with the readiness – even enthusiasm – of the parishioners at the Methodist Church to be able to help. The rest of the students will be housed in the basement of St. Mary’s Church. While I was there, there were many working hard to make the Church basement ready to be used as classrooms. They were being directed by the teachers who were anxiously working themselves so that they soon could begin continue teaching their classes. At the same time, I saw Father Kevin McEwan, the pastor, working tirelessly to determine what the future would be like for the school building. There was so many possibilities. I noticed how involved was the School Education Council, the Parish Council and Finance Council. They were all ready and most willing to do their part and to offer their advice. I am certain that they were a constant source of support and help to Father Kevin. On Sunday evenings, the Methodist Church sponsors a free supper for the community. On that first supper after the fire, their parish sign board invited and encouraged all who were attending to make a donation to St. Mary’s. They sure did; I couldn’t help but notice that the donation bucket was quite full. As I talked with folks, over and over they were anxious to tell me how much they appreciated St. Mary’s School. They went on to tell how impressed they were with the school and the success of the students. I am certain that many of those involved in Catholic Education in our diocese have wondered what the people of their area think about their school. Suddenly, here in Ticonderoga, because of this terrible tragedy, many people were speaking out very loudly about how impressed they were with St. Mary’s School. This is such an interesting moment: the fire was truly upsetting and yet it became a moment when so much was said about how great St. Mary’s School is. So many were ready to help to do what they could to make it possible for St. Mary’s School to continue because they realized how special St. Mary’s School is. Prayers are still needed for the future of St. Mary’s – prayers for Sister Sharon and Father Kevin and the parents of St. Mary’s as they begin to plan for their future. The hopes for the future will be influenced by the strong support of the people of the parish and the community. It is great to listen as I heard so many so enthusiastic with their praise of St. Mary’s School. Editor’s Note
Photo by Sr. Ellen Rose Coughlin Photo below by Sr. Ellen Rose Coughlin Photo by Fr. Timothy Canaan
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PHOTO FROM ST. Mary’s School Facebook page
