January 2002- The events of this past fall are still close to the hearts and minds
of our faculty, administration and students. How difficult to imagine such tragedy through
the eyes of a child. We are thankful for the community within St. Elizabeth, which has
brought so much support to one another during this difficult time.
The World Trade Center disaster was a personal tragedy for the family of first grader
Roxanne Lim, who lost her uncle, and for the entire school who mourns along with the
city and nation. The students in their art classes expressed their sorrow over the event
through special projects and cards, and Mrs. Ferry’s class visited the local firehouse,
bringing sympathy cards to the firefighters. We remembered all of the victims during our
morning prayers in November.
We were also blessed to have the kind words of those students who shared in our grief.
Schools from around the nation and Canada and Australia sent their cards and prayers.
Three schools in Kansas sent a total of $2700 in donations to be used for the special
needs of victims’ families.
“Our students at St. Elizabeth School in Bowmanville (Ontario) were thrilled
to hear that their crads and wishes are being sent to a school in NYC that bears
the same name. They hope and pray that these cards will make some children at
your school smile and feel comforted.”
On November 12, a second tragedy came to our Washington Heights neighborhood. Several
students lost their relatives and countless others lost friends in the crash of flight 587
in Rockaway.
On Tuesday the 13th, Cardinal Egan came to St. Elizabeth to lead us in the morning prayer,
and concelebrated the 9 a.m. Mass with Monsignor Walsh and the parish priests. The students
participated as readers and members of the choir. Following the Mass, Cardinal Egan visited
the grieving families in the neighborhood with Monsignor Walsh.
A memorial Mass was celebrated at the church on November 15, with Cardinal Egan
concelebrating with Bishop-elect Iriondo and 22 Washington Heights priests. The
mourners overflowed into the street.
Our hearts go out to those affected by the tragic events of these past few months.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
ACCREDITED MEMBER OF THE MIDDLE STATES ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS
612 West 187th Street, New York, NY 10033 | Phone: (212) 568-7291
| Fax:
(212) 928-2515 | CONTACT copyright @ St. Elizabeth School
