Blessing and Dedication of SJC Campus

March 12, 2001

St. Joseph was honored by the presence of the Most Rev. James Peter Sartain, Bishop of the Diocese of Little Rock, who officiated at the Blessing and Dedication Ceremony for St. Joseph Catholic High School on Monday, March 12, 2001.

A Dedication Mass, Reception, and Open House were held at the high school campus, which opened its doors to students last fall. The ceremony also featured an address by Dr. Mike Rockers, the Diocese's Superintendent of Schools.

Bishop Sartain (center in picture) and Rev. Andrew Smith (right), Pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Church, were also joined during the Mass by Rev. Bernie Keller and Deacon Elton Harrison of St. Peter Catholic Church. With the opening of the new high school, St. Joseph and St. Peter together now offer a Catholic education option to Pine Bluff families that begins in first grade and extends all the way through twelfth grade.

The Dedication Ceremony was well-attended by a diverse audience that included students and parents, faculty and staff, prospective students and their families, local parishioners, and well-known local personalities like Pine Bluff Mayor Dutch King.  Following the Dedication and Mass, attendees were invited to tour the facilities and meet with faculty members.

The ceremony also featured readings and choral presentations by students from St. Joseph Junior High and Senior High Schools.

Following the formal ceremony, Bishop Sartain walked through the new buildings and blessed the facilities with Holy Water.