Students join in the ceremonial groundbreaking. From left are Emily Reynolds, Sara Reynolds, Cole Dankenbring, Will Dankenbring, Caitlin Reynolds, Anisa Matson and Elaina Nguyen.
Tramping the muddy upturned earth at the groundbreaking ceremony for their new school, students from St. Anne’s in Lancaster had reason to cheer on Feb. 2.
It wasn’t because of Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of an early spring that day, or even the burst of flurries from a snow squall as they pitched shovels into the ground. Rather, the excitement centered on the promise of a new chapter in St. Anne’s history.
The school, founded and located on the north side of Lancaster city since 1924, is moving to the suburban grounds of St. John Neumann Parish some four miles away, where renovation of the Education Center is underway to welcome school students this August.
St. Anne’s is the parish school for both St. Anne St. John Neumann parishes.
“This is a time of great excitement for everyone connected to St. Anne School,” said Suzanne Wood, principal. “The move to St. John Neumann will enable us to build on the traditions that have evolved at St. Anne School for over 95 years; continue the spiritual and academic education of our students as defined through our Catholic Identity; and move our students and school into the future.”
To welcome school students this fall, additions and renovations will be made to the St. John Neumann’s Education Center, which is home to religious education classes. Wohlsen Construction Company is taking on the project.
The work will include the construction of nine additional classrooms, restrooms and offices for St. Anne School. Renovations will also expand and update the lobby and increase security and accessibility.
“We recognize that our children play an important role in our parish families, for they are the present and the future of our Church,” said Father Daniel Powell, pastor of St. John Neumann and executive pastor of St. Anne School. “Providing them with instruction in the Catholic faith is not only crucial to their sacramental growth but is an investment in the future of our collective faith.”
“Our Education Center should be the place where our children learn about their religious heritage and grow in their Catholic faith – whether through weekly Religious Education classes or by attending Catholic school,” he said.
(For information about St. Anne School, visit www.stannelancaster.org or call 717-394-6711.)
By Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness
