Holy Rosary Opens New Preschool Wing

With hearts full of joy and thanksgiving, members of Holy Rosary Parish gathered on Aug. 2 for the ceremonial ribbon cutting and grand opening of the parish school’s new Preschool and Kindergarten Wing.  Pastor Father Bernie Etienne welcomed a large crowd of administrators, teachers, students and community members, and he offered his thanks to all involved.

“It allows us to have an imprint on families to help form their children...we have found our preschool has led families to the faith.” Father Etienne said. “(It allows) an opportunity for families to get to know our faith community at Holy Rosary, become interested in part of our community and pray with us.”

One year ago, Father Etienne, preschool director Kairon Unfried and other community members held the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new preschool building.  On July 31, 2016, the new wing was completed and dedicated.  Seeing the completion of this project is a dream come true for Unfried.

“It does seem like a miracle that it was built in a year.” Unfried said. “But the thought and planning has been there for 15 years.  I can’t explain how happy I am for these children.  To be there is God’s blessing - he opened up a huge door for us at Holy Rosary.”

The building’s completion did not happen without an immense amount of work.  During the ceremony, Father Etienne thanked architects and the general contractor for the vision to create a space that will sustain the needs of the parish for years to come. He also thanked the dedicated members of the Holy Rosary Strategic Planning committee, Parish Council and Captial Campaign Committee for their work and vision.

We’re grateful that because of the generosity of so many people, and the sacrificial giving of so many people, this building, the day we open it up, is paid for.” Father Etienne said. “We didn’t have to go into debt for this project, and for that we are most grateful.”

He then led the large crowd in prayer, thanking God for the multitude of blessings for Holy Rosary. “We are grateful for the possibilities this holds for our parish, the possibilities that it holds for our families, for the children that will be here...we ask that you bless our benefactors and all those that had a part in bringing us to this moment.”

For the first time, the preschool is under the same roof as Holy Rosary’s K-8 program.  It has been designed and built to allow different activities to take place in distinct areas, such as play, music, and art.  Teachers Beth Burkart and Susan Unfried beamed as they spoke about the beautiful facility, sharing that environment makes one feel instantly happy.  They look forward to no longer having to take the children outside to move between buildings, particularly in bad weather.

“I feel like we’re actually a part of Holy Rosary now,” Susan said.