OCTOBER 2009 EMAIL NEWSLETTER TO ALUMNI & FRIENDS
OF ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL
Dear Alumni and Friends,
It was a beautiful Fall day in New York as we left St. Elizabeth Church following the annual memorial Mass for Police Officers Michael Buczek and Christopher Hoban who were killed in the line of duty 21 years ago. Mr. Ted Buczek, Michael’s father gave a moving speech, encouraging the young people present to be volunteers for their own good and the good of their family, school and community. His reasons spelled out VOLUNTEER: V for volunteer, O for opportunity, L for love, U because it is not about you, N for need, T for time, E for everyday, E for example and R for rewarding. He gave the children or his little munchkins as he likes to call our St. Elizabeth students, a lot to think about.
Martin Hoban, Christoper’s brother, recounted the fateful night that he learned Chris had been shot. And how it still seems like a bad dream. When he got to St. Luke’s Hospital, he went to the chapel to pray and exhorted our students to celebrate in remembrance. Like Mr. Buczek, he spoke of how good can come of their personal tragedy by urging the students to be other centered and not self-centered s the ideals that Michael and Christopher lived for can be carried on.
Bishop Gerald Walsh, our former pastor, returned to St. Elizabeth to concelebrate the Mass with our pastor, Fr. Kearney, and associate, Fr. Everistus. He called the day one of celebration and thanksgiving for all the contributions of the 34th Precinct and all the NYPD officers. We thank God for all the members of our police force who protect us.
The Class of 1959 gathered last Sunday to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their graduation from St. Elizabeth School. Thirty-three members of the class attended. The afternoon began wit the 12:30 Mass at St. Elizabeth Church, concelebrated by our pastor, Fr. Daniel Kearney and a member of the Class of 59, Fr. James Flanagan, now pastor of Holy Family Church in the Bronx. Kathie O’Toole Pierce served as Lector. The alumni were thrilled to be back in the Church where they had celebrated countless other Masses and special occasions, such as First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Graduation.
Reunion Committee Chairman, Bill Appel, did a great job organizing the affair. There was a delicious buffet, entertainment by classmate John Higgins, a special cake, and of course, the opportunity to relive the years spent at St. Elizabeth. Many graduates remarked at how the school had changed yet stayed the same “ the feeling of Dejavu never left. Our 8th Grade Ambassadors conducted tours of the school, showing the alumni the new Science Lab, Computer Lab, Smartboards and the soon-to-be-dedicated Peace Garden. The alumni also had a chance to see old pictures, principals’ logs and an autograph book brought in by Kathie O’Toole. Many alumni reminisced about the fine education they received, their acceptance to Catholic High Schools and the road to success that was launched during their years as St. Elizabeth students. They vowed to continue as supporters of this generation's students to help them receive the same good start in life that they were given.
We would like to thank them all for coming to the reunion “ we had a few class members fly in for the event“ and assure them that the door is always open for them to stop by when they are back in the Heights again.
The Classes of 1978 and 1980 are narrowing in on dates for Spring 2010 reunions. Please look for more news as plans are finalized.
Plans are also in motion for the dedication of the Peace Garden Play Space in the Spring. Many alumni and friends asked for forms to order commemorative bricks to be placed in the Peace Garden. We still have room, so if you would like to order a brick in honor of a loved one, in your family name, or as a memorial to a deceased relative or friend, please email officedev@steliznyc.org for a form.
Are there any new babies out there? Sons, daughters, granddaughters, grandsons, great, etc. We would love to feature a new generation theme next month.
Have a very Happy Halloween.
Mary Ann Lynch
Director of Development
St. Elizabeth School
Please forward this email to any alums not already on our mailing list. They can sign up by emailing us. Periodic emails will be sent to notify alumni of school events and alumni services. If you wish not to receive such notices from the school, please email the development office at officedev@steliznyc.org.